IMPHAL May 18: To spread the messages of harmony, peace, integrity and unity of our diverse cultural and traditional heritage and to spread awareness on various environmental issues, a one week Loktak National Integration Camp 2011, Manipur has kick started today with an inaugural function held at the centenary hall of Manipur University.
The one week NSS camp is organized by Manipur University, National Services Scheme Cell in collaboration with NSS regional centre (NER) Guwahati, ministry of youth affairs and sports, government of India.
D.D. Thaisii, minister of Youth Affairs and Sports & Higher Technical Education, Prof. H.N.K. Sharma, vice chancellor (acting), M.U., S.K. Swahney, dy. programme advisor, NSS, New Delhi and Lungmuana Lakher, commissioner, YAS, Government of Manipur graced the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
D.D. Thaisii, in his speech, as chief guest, while welcoming the participants coming from different parts of the country, emphasized on the need to promote and spread mutual understanding, amity, peace, harmony and brotherhood among diverse communities and tribes of India. He cautioned that we should restraint and tolerate incitement of anti-social elements that could compromise the very fabric of our diverse society.
He said songs, dances, cinemas, exhibitions, puppet shows, etc based on the themes of national integration are important. He also added that media are one of the important foundations for spreading national integration. He further added that new management strategy needs to be set up to cope up with various environmental issues in Loktak Lake arising from man made activities.
S.K. Swahney said that the government of India has already sanctioned 18 such camp in different parts of India. He encouraged the participants to know, to learn and acquaint oneself of the other`™s traditions, cultures diversities and respect one another.
Dr. A. Ranjan Singh presented mementoes to the dignitaries on the dais during the inaugural function. Out of 11 teams from different states that were invited, 8 teams from Assam, Kerala , Jharkhand, Mehgalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, West-Bengal and Utter Pradesh has already arrived while the other teams are expected to arrive shortly.
