Imphal, January 03: Giving a clarion call for unity among the students and to join hands for development of Manipur, the fourth anniversary of Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) was observed at Kangla Hall here today in a simple but impressive function.

Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof N Bijoy Singh and DESAM president L Romesh Meetei graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.

A host of student leaders including AMSU president Sinam Prakash, MSF president Sorokkhaibam Sanjoy, ATSUM president John Pulamte, AZSU president Ningthaodai Golmei, KSO president Lheising Touthang, former vicepresident of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong RB Son Zimik, Thangal Students' Union president Ambition Anth, All Maring Students' Union president Koyangam Maring and MUSU president Khundongbam Ashokumar attended the function as guests of honour.

The headmasters/principals of schools which produced toppers in the class X and XII examination last year were felicitated with Chingu Maichou Khongnangthaba Award for teir contributions during the function.

For producing the topper in the class X examination, 2005 conducted by BSEM, the headmaster of Tiny Tots Unique School was presented the award.

The principal of TG Hr Sec School was honoured with the award for having produced toppers in class XII examination conducted by CHSEM in Arts and Vocational stream.

Similarly, the principals of HRD Academy and Digambar Jain Mahavir Hr Sec School were also felicitated with the award for having produced toppers in Science and Commerce stream of the examination respectively.

On behalf of the Manipur University, the award received by Prof Kshetri Bimola Devi.

The award carrying one citation and one shawl each was also presented to editor of Matamgee Yakairol Brozendra Ningomba.

Fifteen teachers who were found discharging their duties with dedication during the inspection conducted by DESAM in Bishnupur, Thoubal, Senapati, Imphal East and Imphal West District, representatives of civil societies and mediapersons were also honoured with one shawl each.

Giving the key note address of the anniversary function, DESAM vice president K Chinglenkhomba detailed on the activities of the student body over the years.

Chinglenkhomba also pledged that DESAM would continue with its effort to bring about unity among various student bodies, improvement in the standard of education, fight against drugs and alcoholism and provide medical succour to people living in far flung areas of the State.

In his address as chief guest, Prof N Bijoy appreciated the presence of student leaders of various communities during the function and hoped that it would serve as a percussor of bringing unity among the students. Stressing on the need to frame policy to improve the standard of the education system in the State, Prof Bijoy informed the gathering that out of the five satellite beams of Edusat launched by Indian Space Research Organisation, one beam is meant for the North Eastern States.

With the help of this beam, an e-learning and e-teaching centre would also be set up at Manipur University very soon, he added.

In his presidential address, L Romesh maintained that divisions have been created among the ethnic groups of people living in peaceful harmony since time immemorial during the last 56 years of Manipur becoming a part of India.

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