Mangka Mayannlambam and Oja Mangangsana felicitated after a successful tour of Switzerland and France.

MaolKeki Foundation(MKF ) is pleased to announce the successful Tour of Switzerland and Franceby Ms. Mangkaand Oja Mangangsana from Laihui Ensemble. Accompanied by Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects of the Foundation who provided logistical and management support during the Tour, they left Imphal bound for Basel on 10thApril and returned to Imphal on 19th April after a series of five successful workshops and performances.

A successful tour of Switzerland and France Pic by By James Khangenbam

Felicitated after a successful tour of Switzerland and France.

The Tour started with a Masterclass at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse in Saint Louis, France, where students, young and old, from the class of Ms. Marie Royer Camilleri were able to sing and dance along with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana. Following the exchange, some of the participants were open to learning further in the form of month-long exchange programs between Lalhui and the school.

The second event of the Tour was a performance in Allschwil, Switzerland, at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute or Swiss TPH, one of the world’s leading institutes in global health. Swiss TPH has been helping to develop the last-mile integrated agriculture and health programs run by the MaolKeki Foundation in rural parts of Manipur.

The third performance was a concert in an intimate setting at the Caveau du Café Littéraire, also in Saint-Louis, during which the Manipuri artistes were joined by Ms. Angela Sterzer, a German lady who teaches Manipuri dance in Paris. MKF would particularly like to thank Mr. Stéphane Valdenaire for helping to organize this and Saint Louis Mairie for hosting us.

The highlight of the Tour was a concert at India Day in Riehen, Basel, during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana performed as a father-daughter duo as well as in collaboration with Angela and Mr. Enrico Lenzin, a well-known Swiss Alphorn player.

Together, they mesmerized a crowd of over 700 people with a beautiful rendition of Manipuri dances, folk songs, Pena music, and Swiss Alphorn. Team Laihui is already working on a plan to continue the collaboration with Enrico with a joint concert in Manipur so those in Manipur can also enjoy the unique music created by the fusion of east and west instruments and vocals.

For the invitation and support throughout the entire process, MKF would particularly like to thank Dr. Ram Mitra, President of the Association of Friends of India Basel.

Mangka’s last performance in Switzerland was hosted by the Indian Embassy in Bern on 17 April during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana gave yet another beautiful rendition of Manipuri folk dances, songs and music to an audience comprising of Embassy staff, important stakeholders and supporters of the Tour. The show culminated with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana being felicitated by Mr. Deepak Bansal, Chargé d’Affaires.

Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, a Trustee of the MaolKeki Foundation who played a pivotal role in putting this Tour together, said, “MKF is truly honoured and proud to have been able to put this Tour together. The artistes did a tremendous job and we were very impressed at how their online collaboration prior to the Tour materialized into a concrete and fantastic performance over two days of practicing together.

Tour and collaboration, a first of its kind between French, German, Manipuri and Swiss artistes, would not have been possible without the benevolent support of many organizations and individuals around the world.”

”Dr. Shachi further added, “MKF would like to thank all the donors and supporters, especially the Government of Manipur, Manipur Tourism, European Manipuri Association, Association of Friends of India Basel, Gemeinde Riehen, Swisslos, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ville de Saint Louis Alsace, Laihui, Thawai Hou, Balmetica, The Classic Group of Hotels, and 11 Manipuris living around the world who each made significant individual contributions.”

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

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Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal Pic Source Social Media

Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal

Union minister of tribal affairs Arjun Munda launched the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ new central sector scheme ‘Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)’ at MSFDS auditorium, Palace Compound Imphal on 18th April in the presence of chief minister N Biren and other dignitaries.

By James Khangenbam 21 April 2023 Imphal:

Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Munda informed that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) aims to empower individuals to become self-employed and self-reliant in the NE region, with respect to the diverse cultural heritage of tribals. The vision of the PM is to look east, focus on development and promote tribal products to enhance the livelihood of tribal entrepreneurs and create endless business opportunities. As this area is constitutionally a tribal region, understanding the tribal communities is essential, he observed.

Munda continued that as the PM has time and again stressed on a national programmed for ‘One District, One Product’ for the promotion of unique tribal products, TRIFED will collaborate with the state governments and agencies to ensure the complete promotion of these products through teamwork providing solutions and value addition for these products. “The NE region has always possessed immense potential in every field and it scheduled tribe communities have ensured through its efforts, the overall development of the nation. To help our tribal entrepreneurs and beneficiaries evolve a greater market both at the national and international level, we will launch more schemes to help these,” he said. It may be mentioned that a Budget of around Rs 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.

Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion.They include cinnamon rolls (Dal Cheeni-polished & semi-polished) from Kamjong district, black rice (Chak-hao) from Ukhrul district and dried bamboo shoot. On the other hand, chief minister N Biren said, “The barriers we had with the center in terms of developmental schemes have been removed, now that we have realized that the Government of India is focusing on providing the tribals of our region with a better quality of life” .

“Be it in the field of sports, business, or education, with greater income generation and greater opportunities provided by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our region has been contributing substantially in the national development and rapidly developing in the development of the country, ” he added. TA&H minister Letpao Haokip conveyed, “We truly appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for its inclusive schemes and initiatives supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs of this region”.

It is pertinent to note that through the provision of backward and forward linkages through incubation support, aggregation, skill and entrepreneurial development, sourcing and procurement, marketing, transportation, and publicity, the PTP-NER scheme will assist tribal craftsmen in taking advantage of chances to increase revenue. This plan calls for the organisation of 68 Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) in the several districts of the NE region starting on Tuesday, in order to begin the empanelment of tribal artisans from that region.

Besides, considering the vast experience and presence in NE region, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a corporation under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), India Post under Department of Posts, and NE state government de-partments/agencies are being engaged as partners under the scheme.

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Manipuri girl wins Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title Source Social Media

Manipuri girl wins Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title

Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur has been crowned 2nd runner-up of the Femina Miss India 2023. 21 year old Strela is a resident of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai.

The star studded night at Khuman Lampak ended with the crowning of Nandini Gupta as the winner of the Femina Miss India along with Shreya Poonja and Strela Luwang as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively. Nandini Gupta is Femina Miss India Rajasthan 2023 and Shreya Poonja is Femina Miss India Delhi 2023.

The extravagant night and the red carpet was graced by the likes of Femina Miss India 2022 winner Sini Shetty and 1st and 2nd runner-ups Rubal Shekhawat and Shinata Chauhan. This is the first time the Grand finale  of the Femina Miss India is held in the North East. The event is hosted by Manipur Tourism

Winner Nandini Gupta will now represent India at the prestigious 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant.

She held two sub-titles at the Femina Miss India 2023   – “Colorbar Miss Glamourous Look” and “Trends Miss Style Icon”.  Other than her performances in beauty pageants, she works for the social activism in mental health issues with regard to gender equality as well as in” Child – friendly’ education. 

Born to Thounaojam Ratan Luwangcha and Ashalata Chingsubam, Thounaojam Strela is the sixth child among her eight siblings. Strela studied for International Business and worked for day and night to build up her future career with strong desire. She loves music, playing guitar, Kalimba and Ukelele.  

Strela survived from the attacks of epilepsy and anxiety in her past. Diagnosed with depression at a tender age, she was compelled to leave school for 2-3 years. During that time, with no friends and feeling so lonely and underestimated, she felt she was having a long slumber.

At the age of 10, she found her art of writing. She took social activism for creating social awareness of mental health issues. 

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Integrated Management Plan on Loktak

Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake Minister urged to approved Integrated Management Plan on Loktak

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for forest, environment and climate change gave assurance that restoring and preserving the iconic Loktak Lake and its rare & endangered deer species Sangai is one of the most important tasks of the Union government as well as the Manipur government.

Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake

He added that the Union government in cohesion with the government of Manipur will expedite its efforts in mission mode to achieve the objectives of restoring the iconic Loktak Lake & its associated wetlands to pristine condition.

He made the above statement as he chaired a joint meeting on Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak wetlands complex at Indira Pary a varan Bhawan, New Delhi on 5th April. The meeting and was attended by secretary, forest, environment and climate change joint secretary (wetland), inspector general of forest, director (wetland) from the ministry’s side, IIT Roorkee professor Arunkumar, WISA, New Delhi director, NHPC Limited director (project),

 Loktak Hydro Electric Project’s chief group GM, and other senior officials from the ministry of forest, environment and climate change. From Manipur, ministers L Susindro and H Dingo, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, additional chief secretary (forest & environment) MH Khan, principal chief conservator of forests & chief wildlife warden Dr AK Joshi, and LDA project director, and SE cum wetland in-charge attended the meeting.

During the meeting, joint secretary (Wetlands) of the ministry made a PowerPoint presentation on the Integrated Management Plan of Loktak Wetland Complex. Professor Arun Kumar of IIT Roorkee, who was heavily involved in the technical evaluation of the IMP, explained the techno-ecological view of the IMP, which was prepared by the WISA director.

The state team collectively requested the ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetland Complex at the earliest as it is pending for two years. They also endorsed the ongoing project proposal of the state government for sustainable development and livelihood of Loktak Lake with technological and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The union minister directed the officials of his ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak wetlands complex to frame a task for delisting of Loktak from Montreux record, directed the Manipur government to take remedies to stop fragmentation of water regime of the lake, to identify & encourage suitable eco-tourism activities, that won’t compromise on the ecology of the lake.

He also asked LDA to submit a DPR base on IMP for necessary logistical support from the ministry on priority and further instructed officials of his ministry to clear all paper works before April 28, when he along with his team of officials is scheduled to visit Manipur and Loktak Lake for attending a regional workshop on wise use policy of wetlands in Manipur.

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International seminar based on Indian National Army organised

International seminar based on Indian National Army organised

A 3-day international seminar on the theme ‘Indian Tricolour at Moirang by INA: An Apostle of Courage and Valour of the Indian Independence Movement’ commenced yesterday at the Manipur University Court Hall.

By James Khangenbam 19 April 2023 Imphal:

Indian National Army organised

The inaugural function was graced by Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, Vice-chancellor Professor Anupam Misra; Manipur University Vice-chancellor Professor N Lokendra Singh and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna New Delhi, Organising secretary Dr Balmukund Pandey as the presidium members.

Balak Sena (INA veteran), Bangkok Raj Sachdev; Indian Association of Thailand president Chaun Thakur and Netaji Welfare Foundation Malaysia Chairman Dato Kumaran Sathivaloo also attended the event as special invitees.

The resource persons while speaking at the occasion briefed on the history of Indian National Army and its significance in India’s struggle against the British. They went on to state that the INA is known as Prisoners of War and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as the leader of freedom struggle’ . The INA had around 60, 000 members who belonged to different faiths from across the country. They further recounted the immense contributions of INA in India’s freedom struggle.

The international seminar is being jointly organised by the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Manipur University; Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Regional Campus Manipur and IIT Guwahati in association with Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna,New Delhi; Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Manipur; NG College, Imphal ; Thai Bharat Cultural Lodge, Bangkok; Indian Association of Thailand; Netaji Welfare Foundation, Malaysia; Malaysian Bangalee Association and United Indian Army Families and Activist Association.

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The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, I visited last

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, I visited last

By James Khangenbam 17 April 2023 Imphal:

A banner like Windows to Nagaland. Paintings that depicts the lifestyle of the ancestors. It is just like browsing the pictures of a newly brought book ahead of the school session for the next grade.

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, I visited last

The Hornbill Festival

The hornbill festival was an easy browse that enhances knowledge about Nagaland especially about the people living in the State culturally, ethnically, fabric wise to the tourists and the citizens of Nagaland. There was this artisan who sat in a row of artistic display carving the wood with his skillful hand. Visitors are amazed at his work live on stage.

The artistic work really thrilled one’s mind and heart. People at least were exposed to the making of their
commodity. It makes it more aesthetic when another stone carving and slab artists were sighted engaging in their own majestic work. It was like one of those amazing program in the discovery channel. Inclusion of the artisan work site was the tapping of craft tourism.

Yet there was another guy who just sat and sketches the portrait of a visitor in front of his canvas. Things look so moving and happening much to the delight of the tourists. The bamboo pavilion with merchandise products selling T shirt printed Nagaland on it.

The colorful bracelets, necklace, bangles belonging to different tribes filled some stalls and a walk through the pavilions seems to be a trance. There are garment stalls, and many other craft stalls in the pavilion.

An outsider gets to know of Nagaland during this festival which would take them several months to know about Nagaland touring and visiting several places of the State. When you are given a compact knowledge to tourists it passed on to other tourists back home. And I guess there are more foreign tourists during the festival every turning year.

On costume and traditional show piece, every Morung (typical house of a tribe) depicting lifestyle, custom, work of a particular tribe at the heritage site were seen with a pair of man and woman in their traditional wear till the end of the festival. Tourists mingle around with the cultural troupes dancing and singing the folk songs at the Morung.

There was this snap session with the tribes attired in traditional dresses.  The memory a tourists take away home was of utmost value. The people living in the state are well defined in these small but meaningful steps. The branding was excellent.

The fabrics were exposed at the maxim and there was more thrill to the visitors. A compact band from different countries sung one song at the hornbill rock fest at a separate venue. The rock fest on the other hand was shaping music talents in an overall view. In fact the hornbill rock fest makes it possible for many music lovers to come at one place and feel the fusion of notes in an ambience set up.

Adventure wise the hornbill riders meet also draw many bullet riders to join the festival this year. Horse power ride contest in the four wheeler category adds to fun. Motorcade was another addition. There was this chef contest going on for delicacy cooking and much other stuff at the three open air amphitheater at Kisama the festival site also the Nagaland Heritage site. The hornbill festival was a complete platform. A space sufficient venue to have good time and a trek up the hill for trekking lovers where “Nagaland Heritage Site” was imprinted.

The thatched hut fancy food outlets with bamboo bench and desk occupied by visitors was a unique site as one did not get to see such a fast food center built by bamboo around the city or town most often. It adds to aroma of the exotic cook served hot and fresh at the festival venue. War memorial complex that depict the Second World War where Japanese army fought with British army picks up attention from several visitors. The ruins of the war in a dummy set up, the details and significant events on a daily basis written in words were salient feature of the complex. The tapping of the war memorial tourists seems to add value, the combination was made strong.

The night bazaar at a street where you buy toys and other stuffs with Street foods serving momo and other quick bites attracts everyone who came attired in good dresses. The street was crowded. It was the time when you meet friends with festive mood. There was this music playing in the street. The young ladies were seen with high boots.

There was this family walk, some youth make laughter yet their foot make way, some were busy munching the street food and they seem to be in fun having eatable in the middle of a huge crowd. Yet there are few people who were staring at the passerby from the side of the road.

It seems everyone in town came out with their festive mood and they seem so happy in their outlook.

The hornbill festival at this evening hour of a walk at a street was warm it signifies the public participation and their appearance at the occasion.

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Manipur government to implement ‘One family, one livelihood’ scheme Pic Source Social media

Manipur government to implement ‘One family, one livelihood’ scheme

The first anniversary of N Biren Singh led BJP 2.0 Government was celebrated at Senapati Public Ground with Chief Minister N Biren Singh as the chief guest of the celebration on 13th April.

Manipur government to implement ‘One family, one livelihood’ scheme Pic Source Social media

By James Khangenbam 17 April 2023 Imphal:

‘One family, one livelihood’ scheme

N Biren was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur for the second term on March 21, 2022. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries were accorded a rousing welcome by the leaders of civil society organisations, students organisations, Church leaders and the public on their arrival at the ground.

Inauguration of 95 projects worth Rs 22,450 lakh and laying of foundation stones of 17 projects worth Rs 7605 lakh marked the celebration.Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary, DGP, senior civil and police officers, CSOs, Church leaders and the general public of Senapati district also attended the function, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren said that he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome accorded to him and his Cabinet colleagues by the people of Senapati. Biren informed that a Critical Care Block with 10 ICU beds will be constructed at Senapati district hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore. 

He also spoke on various development works taken up during the last one year by his government. Speaking on a decision taken at a Cabinet meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office prior to the first anniversary celebration, he informed that the Cabinet had approved to implement the “One family, one livelihood” initiative. 

The Government had earlier announced to give livelihood to each and every household. He further informed that anyone from a family with no source of livelihood can apply for a loan of Rs 10 lakh with 30 per cent grant.

An amount of Rs.100 crore has been allocated in the budget for the same. Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th Biswajit Singh, while delivering his speech, stated that everyone’s efforts and support are needed for successful implementation of Government programmes and development of the State. 

Speaking on climate change, he maintained that the State Government has been taking up various initiatives as per law, to conserve the forest land of the State, adding that the Government is not against anyone. He further appealed to the public to take their part in conserving forest areas to mitigate climate change.

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that Manipur has witnessed lots of changes and development in the last one year, adding that projects inaugurated today was the proof. 

Every programme of the Government is focused on development, he said. Govindas claimed that the State Government aims to bring balanced development across the State, informing that the percentage of budget allocation for development of hill areas has increased a lot in the recent years.

A booklet and a short film on the achievement of Government during the first year were released by the Chief Minister. A short film on War on Drugs 2.0 was screened during the programme. After the end of the programme, a friendly football match was played between CM’s 11 and Senapati 11 at the Public Ground.

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Nagaland attracts lots of investment proposal in B20 meet

Nagaland attracts lots of investment proposal in B20 meet

In the recently concluded Business 20 (B20) summit, delegates of G20 countries, diplomats of other foreign countries and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have expressed willingness to invest in various sectors in Nagaland.

By James Khangenbam 13 April 2023 Imphal:

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the Bangladesh delegation has expressed interest in purchasing cereals from the state and reviving the Tuli Paper Mill in Mokokchung, where production had stopped in 1982, reported Assam Tribune.

Nagaland attracts lots of investment proposal in B20 meet

The chairman of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) North East Council, Pradeep Bagla said interest was expressed in organic agriculture, skill development, cultural tourism and technology after the conference. The Nagaland summit was a great success as 60 delegates from 27 countries participated in it. “This was the first time that Nagaland showcased its potential before so many foreign delegates. The rich tradition and culture, agriculture and textiles of the Nagas were shown to the world and its potential was highlighted,” said Bagla.

Four B20 meetings were held as part of the G20 summit in Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Nagaland.

The B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum representing the global business community, with companies and business organizations as participants. The Northeast region of India has been a significant focus for B20 India Initiatives, with four conferences planned across the region to showcase the vast potential and opportunities within the region, reported Newson Air.

The first three conferences held in Imphal, Aizawl, and Gangtok have been successful in their objective of highlighting the untapped potential of the northeast.

Nagaland has the potential for organic agriculture, food processing and skill development. A lot of interest has been generated and hopeful of much more investments and employment generation in the state, said principal economic advisor in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Rupa Dutta.

Nagaland has the potential for organic agriculture, food processing and skill development. A lot of interest has been generated and hopeful of much more investments and employment generation in the state, Dutta said.

According to Assam Tribune, the president of India Association of Japan, Sanjay Mehrotra said the organisation is interested in infrastructure development work in Nagaland.

Japan wants to invest in sectors like drinking water, garbage and crowd management and tourism industry in Nagaland, he said. “We have discussed with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio … He was very positive and is keen about the development of Nagaland. He has said he will take a high-profile delegation to Tokyo in the coming months, while Japanese diplomats will visit the state soon to strengthen ties,” Mehrotra said.

The B20 conference was attended by delegates from Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Germany, Iceland and Indonesia. Delegates from Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, United Kingdom and the United States also attended.

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Manipur hosts C 20 Meet  Pic Source Social Media

Manipur hosts C 20 Meet 

Manipur hosting global events of G20 is a sign that the State is moving towards development, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Addressing the inaugural session of the C20-India 2023 Vashudhaiva Kutum-bakam National Conference, organized by Chinmaya Mission at the conference hall of the Hotel Imphal.

By James Khangenbam 10 April 2023 Imphal:

Manipur hosts C 20 Meet 

N Biren said there is development in the State with improvement in the law-and-order situation under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and support of the people.C20, short for Civil-20 is an official engagement group of the G20, representing the civil society organizations of the G20 member countries.

Continuing his speech, N Biren said India has been bestowed with the honour of guiding the world with the country assuming the G20 presidency. It is a proud moment for every citizen of India. He added that the Prime Minister has very aptly chosen the theme for India’s presidency as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which translates to “One Earth, One Family, One Future” .

The theme, LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) also puts the spotlight on the importance of making environ- mentally sustainable and responsible choices which will lead to adopting globally transformative actions for a cleaner and greener Earth.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that India’s G20 presidency also marks the beginning of Amritkaal that will lead the country to become a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core.

He added that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a universal maxim whose purpose is not imposition but the evolution of human consciousness that will lead to protection of the world through friendship and cooperation. 

N Biren further observed that India has shown the way to defining Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam by supplying Covid vaccines to various Nations, foodgrain to war-torn Nations, and human power to combat disasters. 

He expressed confidence that the deliberation at the conference will go a long way in spreading the invaluable message of universal brotherhood and voicing the concerns of the world population through the civil society organizations to the world leaders in the G20 .

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Y Khemchand Singh, while delivering his speech, stated that economic development of the State is possible through development in the tourism sector. Khemchand continued that Vasudhaiva Kutum-bakam reflects India’s global leadership and added that the country’s role as a global leader has improved a lot under PM Modi.

He mentioned that India as a global leader has been taking a broader role in solving several challenges. He stressed the need to promote the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to maintain peace across the world and also expressed gratitude to the Chinmaya Mission and C20 team for organizing the conference in the State.

Swami Mitrananda resident spiritual mentor at Chinmaya Mission Chennai, Chairman, M Asnikumar Singh Loktak Development Authority, L Nishikanta Singh, Secretary, Chinmaya Mission Trust Manipur, Vice Chancellors of Universities, Professors of various educational institutes, retired and serving army officers also attended the conference, among others.

The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions on topics including Dharma, Education, Ecology, Geopolitics and Defence.

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59th Femina Miss India to roll out at Imphal on 15th April

Many notable figures from the entertainment industry are set to grace the grand finale of Femina Miss India 2023 slated to be held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal on April 15. All the contestants of the 59th Femina Miss India contest arrived at Imphal. 

By James Khangenbam 9 April 2023 Imphal:

59th Femina Miss India to roll out at Imphal on 15th April

Notably, this is the first time the event will be held in the entire North East. According to a statement, the glamourous evening will witness the attendance of many celebrated personalities. The star-studded night will feature performances by big names including Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan. 

The show will be anchored by Manish Paul and Bhumi Pednekar. The pageant will feature the 30 State winners, who will be competing for the coveted title of Femina Miss India 2023. The winner of the pageant will represent India at the Miss World pageant.

The State winners will be walking the ramp in ensembles designed by renowned designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura.

A special show by Robert Naorem, featuring traditional costumes will aim to promote the textile, art and culture of the State. The 30 State winners will be judged by a panel consisting of Femina Miss India Universe 2002 and mentor Neha Dhupia, boxing icon Laishram Sarita Devi and designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura. 

Some of the former and the reigning Miss India winners will also be putting up a dance performance through a fashion segment.  Chief Minister N Biren Singh will also grace the event which is hosted by Manipur Tourism. 

“Extending a hearty welcome to all the contestants of Femina Miss India to the Jewel of India, the Land of Culture, Manipur with the Grand Finale happening here, I hope you enjoy your stay and carry the message of goodwill, friendliness and warm hospitality of Manipur on your departure,” the Chief Minister said in a Facebook post.

It may be noted that India is among the few countries to have won six Miss World titles. The winners are Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chhillar (2017).

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