By James Khangenbam 16 Feb 2023 Imphal :
A Korean language learning course for students of Government colleges and Government aided colleges was opened today at Manipur College. Speaking at the opening function of the course organised by the Higher Education Department, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar noted that the 21st century is said to be ‘knowledge century’
He exhorted all students to gather and enhance their knowledge not only from textbooks but also from all available sources. Basanta Kumar said that learning and teaching Korean language is a part of the National Education Policy. Learning a language can certainly enrich one’s knowledge and it is rather fortunate for the students of Manipur that they can now learn many foreign languages in the State itself, the Education Minister said. He said that language is one major tool of enriching the culture of a Nation.
The Government has launched an initiative under which the languages/dialects of all the 34 communities of Manipur would be taught to interested individuals, he said. Teaching languages/dialects of seven communities has already started, he added. Basanta Kumar asserted that learning each other’s language would go a long way in fostering unity in the State. The Government has been working to implement a new programmed of improving colleges. The Government has already sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the particular programmed and five colleges have been selected in the first phase, he said. Saying that the Government has been considering to make up deficiency of teachers, the Education Minister assured that all reasonable demands of the teacher fraternity would be fulfilled.
King Sejong Institute Imphal (KCCI), Korean language instructor Park Minjae said that they have been working to set up more Korean cultural institutes in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. King Sejong Institute has been opened at five places in India. Apart from teaching Korean language, the institute would give due emphasis on cultural exchange between Korea and Manipur, Park Minjae said. Saying that there are many similarities between Korea and Manipur in terms of music and cultural dance as witnessed in the last Manipur Sangai Festival, Park Minjae said that they would try to present Korean cultural programmes in the next Sangai Festival, if they get such an opportunity. Directorate of University and Higher Education Director Dr Rangitabali Waikhom and Manipur University Registrar W Chandbabu too attended the opening function.
Mention may also be made that Department of Foreign Languages, Manipur University also offer one year certificate course on Korean language. The annual student intake for the course is 24 seats. Students who have passed their higher secondary are also eligible for the course. Besides the department also offers one year certificate courses on Japanese and Chinese language.
