DESAM's 24th Foundation Day: A Call for Transformative Education in Manipur
The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) recently celebrated its 24th Foundation Day, marking a significant milestone in their mission to drive social change in the region. The event, themed "Cultivating Change: From Education to Action," underscored the crucial role of education in addressing the challenges faced by Manipur.
Education as a Driver of Social Transformation
The event, held at the JN Manipur Dance Academy, brought together students, educators, and civil society members to emphasize education as a key to overcoming societal challenges in Manipur. Guest speakers, including Dr. R.K. Nimai Singh, Khangembam Indrakumar Singh, and Wangmayum Islahuddin, shared insights on the importance of education in fostering social transformation.
Addressing Systemic Issues in Manipur's Education System
DESAM Secretary-General Nongthombam Thoithoiba took the opportunity to address systemic issues within Manipur's education system, such as examination irregularities, administrative lapses, and political interference. He called for reforms to strengthen the system and ensure that education serves as a catalyst for positive change.
Drawing inspiration from global examples, Thoithoiba cited former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's mantra "Education, Education, Education" and urged a similar focus on knowledge, skills, and critical thinking in Manipur. He emphasized the importance of useful knowledge, combining theoretical understanding with practical application to address social, economic, and technological challenges.
Education and Social Responsibility
Thoithoiba also emphasized the role of education in cultivating critical thinking, civic responsibility, and moral awareness. He warned that issues like corruption, drug abuse, public health challenges, environmental degradation, and social disorganization could only be mitigated through a robust, knowledge-driven system. He called upon students, educators, and policymakers to foster a culture of learning, innovation, and community engagement.
Empowering Youth for Manipur's Future
The event featured various activities, including traditional folk performances, youth pledges, motivational readings, demonstrations of educational initiatives, and recognition of student contributions through awards and certificates. Through these activities, DESAM reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth and enabling them to actively shape Manipur's future.
In his closing remarks, Thoithoiba reiterated that "Education, Education, Education" is the key to Manipur's progress, invoking global examples of transformative leadership. His call for a robust, knowledge-driven system resonates with the broader Indian context, where education plays a crucial role in nation-building and regional development.