In a powerful call to action, social activist and president of the Indigenous People’s Forum of Manipur, Ashang Kashar, underscored the importance of peace for the progress of Manipur. Speaking at the inauguration of STNBA High School’s annual sports meet in Irong, Senapati, Kashar passionately made his appeal for the inclusion of a subject dedicated to ‘peace building’ in school curricula.
Addressing the students and faculty, Kashar said, “We need peace and prosperity. Let us all stand united for justice. Our state’s progress is deeply intertwined with the harmony of its people. It is vital for us to strive collectively to bring about peace and harmony in our state.”
Highlighting the need to educate the younger generation about peace from an early age, Kashar emphasized, “The Manipur education system needs to evolve to address our unique challenges. A special subject focusing on ‘peace building’ isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. Our youth should be introduced to this concept right from the primary school level.”
Building on his earlier emphasis on the need for peace education, Kashar took a moment to reflect on the current state of intellectual discourse in Manipur. “Even though I have encountered numerous scholars and intellectuals, the absence of peace-building ideas has rendered their thoughts less constructive. It’s disheartening to see many of our youths unaware of the means to uphold peace,” he remarked.
He pointed out that while Manipur boasts a rich intellectual community, there’s a noticeable gap in their advocacy for peace and harmony. Kashar stated, “We have many brilliant minds, but their silence or lack of emphasis on peace and harmony does no favors for our state. As I ponder the trajectory our state is on, it’s filled with sleepless nights because unrest overshadows any semblance of peace.”
Speaking directly to the students, many of whom rely heavily on their parents for support, Kashar championed the virtues of self-reliance and the value of hard work. “Students should seize every opportunity to assist their parents, aiming to be as independent as possible. Embrace every responsibility within your means and confront every situation head-on. This will not only instill in you a strong work ethic but also prepare you for life’s challenges,” Kashar advised, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and resilience in the face of adversity.
Kashar then turned his attention towards the parents in the audience, emphasizing the critical role they play in their children’s aspirations. “Parents must recognize the innate potential in every child. Each student has the capability to excel, whether as a distinguished doctor, a brilliant engineer, or a dedicated civil servant,” he stated, driving home the point that financial constraints or societal biases should not dictate a child’s career path. “We must shed the notion that certain professions are reserved for those from specific backgrounds or with exceptional intellect. With unwavering dedication and focus, we all possess the ability to achieve any ambition,” he confidently affirmed.
Kashar’s emphasis on education continued as he encouraged students to prioritize their academic pursuits. “Education is the foundation of a fulfilling life. It’s imperative for parents to foster a love for learning in their children and guide them in their academic endeavors. When students align their education with their life’s purpose, they are better positioned to make meaningful contributions to society,” he elucidated.
In a related community development effort, Taragi Cheisu conducted its regular outreach program, featuring a free health camp and relief operations. The camp saw an overwhelming response, with hundreds from neighboring areas availing the opportunity to receive medical consultations. The team from Taragi Cheisu, comprised of esteemed physicians from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science, Shija Hospital and Research Institute, and other notable establishments, administered health check-ups and provided complementary medicines to attendees. Grateful beneficiaries heaped praises on the organisers, especially Taragi Cheisu, commending their dedication to community welfare, particularly during challenging times.