Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Dec 14:
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, a proposal has been made to elevate Pettigrew College, the oldest college in Ukhrul District, Manipur, to the status of a Central University. The appeal underscores the strategic importance of the region and the urgent need for higher education infrastructure in the hill areas of Manipur, which account for 93% of the state’s landmass but lack a single university under Article 371C.
The petitioner, Eno.Vareingam Vashum, a host for the North East India community in Singapore, emphasized the importance of this initiative, aligning it with India’s Act East Policy and the rising global significance of the Sittwee Port in Myanmar. The letter highlights that Pettigrew College, situated in a region bordering Myanmar, serves as a critical point for India’s strategic and intellectual growth. Establishing a Central University here would enhance the region’s educational and developmental prospects while fostering connectivity with South East Asia.
The proposal also pointed out that despite Manipur’s statehood, the hill areas remain underserved in terms of higher education infrastructure. Such an upgrade would significantly contribute to building intellectual capability and promoting national integration in this digital age.
The letter, copied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, calls for immediate action to transform Pettigrew College into a Central University, describing it as a step towards “Bharat’s intellectual capability and global wellness.”
It is pertinent to mentioned that Pettigrew College was established in the year 1965 as a co-ed institution, the College prides itself in its history of 60 efficacious years of existence, making it the oldest college and the only government college till date in Ukhrul district. The college, as such, has long been committed to providing quality education in the higher education sphere of the religion.
The rich legacy of the college can be traced back to the vision of the founders fondly named after Reverend William Pettigrew, the pioneer missionary who introduced education in the district, the college initially functioned as a private institution for 12 years and was later taken over by the government of Manipur in the year 1977
The appeal concludes by urging the Government of India to take this initiative as a commitment to national development, the empowerment of Scheduled Tribes, and India’s broader strategic goals in the 21st century.
The college is situated at Meizailung, about 7 kms north of Ukhrul town and 90 kms from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The College Campus is spread over a sprawling land area of 26 Acres. The Scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of the town provides a tranquil and secure environment ideal for constant learning.
