IMPHAL, Jan 21 : The Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, graced the 55th Statehood Day Celebration of Manipur held on Wednesday at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground here. The day commemorates the State’s attainment of full statehood on 21st January 1972.
As part of the celebration, while addressing the people of Manipur, the Governor said that the Prime Minister had acknowledged Manipur’s important place in Indian history and appreciated its achievements in sports, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The Governor conveyed the deep gratitude of the people of Manipur to the Prime Minister for his concern, support, and continued engagement with the State.
The Governor was accorded a Rashtriya Salute, followed by the inspection of the parade. He took the salute of an impressive March Past by 14 contingents led by Parade Commander N. Madhunimai Singh, MPS, CO, 8th Manipur Rifles, drawn from the Combined Manipur Rifles, Indian Reserve Battalions, Civil Police (Male and Female), Hill Districts Civil Police, Traffic Police, Village Defence Force (VDF), and NCC units, which showcased discipline, unity, and professional excellence.
The Governor distributed Certificates of Commendation and Certificates of Appreciation to selected officers for their exemplary service and significant contributions to governance and public administration.
The Certificate of Commendation to the IT Department was conferred jointly on Nambam Deben Singh, Director (DIT); G. Robert Sharma, Joint Director (DIT); and Konsam Vivek Meitei, Informatics Officer (DIT).
The Certificates of Appreciation of the Land Resources Department were conferred individually on Krishna Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam; Hannah Kamei, former Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal; Rohit Anand, former Deputy Commissioner, Kakching; and Sharat Chandra Arroju, former Deputy Commissioner, Noney.
In his address, the Governor highlighted the significance of Statehood Day as a symbol of Manipur’s democratic aspirations, constitutional empowerment, and collective identity. He reflected on the State’s rich history and cultural heritage and emphasised the shared responsibility of citizens to uphold peace, harmony, unity, and the rule of law. Stressing the importance of youth participation, he called for active engagement in nation-building through discipline, innovation, public service, and social cohesion.
The Governor further stressed that peace, harmony, and mutual respect among communities remain essential for sustained development. He dwelt upon the role of dialogue, trust-building, and collective effort in addressing challenges and underlined the importance of youth in shaping the future of the State. Encouraging young citizens to channel their energy and talents into education, innovation, public service, sports, arts, and entrepreneurship, he urged them to contribute positively to nation-building and social cohesion.
Later, the Governor proceeded to grace the inauguration of the Monumental National Flag at Kangla Nongpok Torban. He hoisted the monumental flag sponsored by the Flag Foundation of India. The installation in Manipur marks the 200th monumental national flag erected across the country and the first-ever such installation in the State, symbolising national pride, unity, and respect for the Tricolour. (UNI)
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