The Registrar of NIT Manipur, Prof. Khumukcham Tomba Singh, emphasized the rich culture and tradition of the State which includes its 34 tribes during his address to the participants of Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme.
According to the organizers, the identity of the state is strengthened by the presence of different people, languages, traditions, customs and arts.
This programme, jointly organized by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur in association with the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), had brought together more than 200 delegates to know about the cultural heritage and social realities of the state.
This Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, and sponsored by the North Eastern Council is an attempt to strengthen the national integration and emotional bond between the northeast region and other parts of the country through such youth exchange programs and direct cultural interaction.
This is the third time that NIT Manipur has been organizing this program.
Among the places visited by the delegates were Lok Bhavan, Manipur Zoological Garden, Ima Keithel, Andro, Khongjom War Memorial, Marjing Polo Complex and Kakching. There was also an interaction with the Deputy Commissioners of Thoubal and Kakching.
An event organized by the JNMDA with cultural shows of the traditional Manipuri dances was one of the major events of the visit.
The Chief Guest of the event, Ng. Nongyai Singh also addressed the gathering with regards to the problems faced in the Northeast and stressed the need for development and peace.The visiting delegates appreciated Manipur’s cultural traditions and described its people as welcoming and peace-loving.