President not pleased with Adimjati Ashram in Manipur

IMPHAL, April 15, 2013 [THE SANGAI EXPRESS] --- The 60th foundation day of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram was celebrated with President Pranab Mukherjee unveiling its diamond jubilee monument. Adimjati Shiksha Ashram was set up by social worker and scholar Deshbandhu Adhikari who hailed from Uttar Pradesh for upliftment of backward classes of the society particularly those belonging to SC/ST categories. After the State Government allotted 27 bighas of land at Chingmeirong Lilashing Khongnangkhong, the then President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad laid foundation stone of the school on March 23, 1952. Though not a very distinguished educational institution, Adimjati Shiksha Ashram is affiliated to New Delhi based Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangha and is being run by dedicated volunteers. The main function of the diamond jubilee was held inside the ashram's campus after President Pranab Mukherjee unveiled the diamond jubilee monument this afternoon. Addressing the gathering, the President while expressing unhappiness at the existing condition of the ashram, nonetheless, exuded confidence that the ashram would be able to serve the educational needs of backward SC/ST students though it may take many years. Recalling that Manipur was the first State of India which was liberated from British imperialists, the President said that to have the ashram in such a unique place like Manipur is most appropriate. Acknowledging the contribution of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram towards upliftment of backward classes in the field of education during the last many years, Pranab Mukherjee asserted that empowerment of people is what is most important in modern times. To encourage people's direct participation in Government schemes and programmes rather than simply assuring benefits of these programmes is the call of the hour. In his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi claimed that the ashram has been providing immense service towards education of underprivileged tribal students of the State. Talking about Government programmes specifically aimed at upliftment of underprivileged sections, Ibobi stated that special development programmes have been initiated in 27 blocks located in interior parts of the hill districts. In spite of ups and downs during its long years of existence, people running Adimjati Shiksha Ashram have been working with a high level of dedication, stated Governor Gurbachan Jagat. Chief Patron of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam were also seated on the dais. A number of Cabinet Ministers, MP Dr T Meinya, ruling and opposition MLAs, a number of top ranking Government officials were also present at the function during which the President inaugurated Amity Hall, and the SC/ST girls' hostel. In addition, he laid foundation stones for a tribal working women hostel and a tribal boys' hostel.