Imphal, March 31: As part of the Indo-Bhutan dialogue, for the first time thirteen delegates from Royal Bhutanese Government arrived in the stateon March 28 and stationed at FEEDS/KVK Hengbung in Kangpokpi district on study and exposure visit till March 30. The 13 member delegate of the Royal Bhutanese Government including one lady has been led by Dasho Pema Chawang, Secretary, National Land and Commission Service, Royal Government of Bhutan.
A hearty warm reception was organized after the delegate’s morning field visit of ORDC and EMRC by FEEDS (Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Service), Hengbung, the Host institute of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Centre for Orchid Gene Conservation of Eastern Himalayan Region (ORDC) and North East Centre for Ethno Medical Research Centre (EMRC) at Conference Hall, FEEDS/KVK Hengbung. The reception function was attended by Vijay Chihber, Retd. IAS, former Secretary, Govt. of India, Haokholet Kipgen, President, FEEDS, Dr. HB. Singh, Scientist, Dept. of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Dr. Rao, Director, ORDC apart from the FEEDS/KVK staffs and District Administration Senapati.
FEEDS and District Administration Senapati presented a traditional muffler each to the 13 member delegate who were donned with their traditional attire as mark of hearty welcome and also to express their most fortunate opportunity to have the Royal Bhutanese Government delegate in their midst.
Speaking at the occasion, Vijay Chihber lamented that Bhutan is the only country in the world that have Negative Carbon Footprint and the same could be obtained here in Manipur if the people have the same fashion and ideas of the Bhutanese.
While appreciating the Bhutan delegate for their visit and commendable approach, Vijay Chihber also lauded the tireless efforts and initiative of Haokholet Kipgen in bringing up such a wonderful and unique centre here at Hengbung which impart lots of education as well as job opportunity to many youths and more particularly the farmers.
FEEDS President, Haokholet Kipgen cordially welcomed the Royal Bhutanese Government delegate and expressed his vision of better relationship and understanding with more familiarity and cooperation among the two countries while highlighting the objective and various activities, success and achievements of FEEDS/KVK.
The Royal Government of Bhutan National Land and Commission Service Secretary, Dasho Pema Chawang said that the various centres here hosted by FEEDS is unique and a centre of relevance not only to the Himalayan region and India but the world as a whole while appreciating the innovative and unique efforts of FEEDS. He told media persons that the visit is the outcome of the significant Indo-Bhutan Dialogue Track 2 where in its agenda it is said that we need to visit Manipur on study or exposure visit to learn and experience on various issues.
He said that the Indo-Bhutan Dialogue is not only important in political level but also in other issues where we can have formal discussion, to learn each other from failure, experience and exposure while adding that we are here to study and learn so many things from the centre.
He further said that FEEDS is unique as it is the initiative of only one person, the Chieftain, who was the father of the present FEEDS president Haokholet Kipgen and contributed to the community and over a period of time it has become an example to the region and the world.
During the morning field visit to ORDC and EMRC, Dasho Pema Chawang told media persons that we have lots of things to learn from this particular project the FEEDS/KVK Hengbung where lots of research in orchid, medical plants, etc has been done and commendable employment for many educated unemployed youth has been generated. The Bhutanese delegate departed today afternoon from Hengbung for their home country.