Konthoujam Assembly Constituency MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan today stressed the need to discourage unhealthy eating habits and promote disciplined lifestyles among the younger generation, saying changing food habits and lifestyle patterns were contributing to growing health concerns and could have wider demographic implications.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 54th Foundation Day celebration of the Nambol Mongjing Leikai Students Union-cum-Library at Mongjing, Nambol.
Dr Ranjan said the declining population of indigenous people in Manipur was a matter of concern and called for collective efforts to ensure that the state’s indigenous population does not continue to decline.
“Manipur cannot survive without its people,” he said, stressing that protection of the state’s environment alone would not be sufficient without a healthy and growing population.
He called for creating a better social environment for children and young people, with emphasis on education, discipline, mutual support and healthy lifestyles.
Referring to growing dependence on mobile phones among children, Dr Ranjan described the present situation as a “digital pandemic”, following the earlier COVID-19 pandemic. He cautioned that excessive social media use was affecting children’s physical and mental well-being and urged young people to avoid negative online behaviour.
He also called for greater efforts to cultivate positive habits among youth, saying every individual and institution should contribute towards building a healthier and stronger society.
Speaking at the function, Nambol Mongjing Leikai Students Union-cum-Library president Pukhrambam Ibotombi said clubs have an important role in the development of local communities. He urged clubs to work for the welfare and progress of their respective localities.
He said the ongoing crisis in Manipur had created a difficult situation for society and stressed the need to prepare the younger generation through quality education and skills development.
He also called for identifying capable individuals and political leaders who could represent the community effectively at the global level.
Nambol MLA Th. Basantakumar’s PRO Nongthombam Chingkhei, Nambol Police Station ASI Ksh. Madhop, Nambol Municipal Council Ward No. 1 Councillor Pukhrambam Aruna and Mongjing LP School headmistress Yumnam Ranjana attended the programme.
During the event, cash awards and citations were presented to students who excelled in the annual sports meet and Class X and XII examinations held during the year.