ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT DROUPADI MURMU AT CIVIC RECEPTION IN MANIPUR

I am delighted to visit Manipur and participate in this reception organised on behalf of the lively people of this beautiful State. I am deeply touched by the warmth and affection with which I have been welcomed.

Manipur is a land of resilience, courage and extra-ordinary cultural richness. Over generations, its people have enriched the nation by contributing immensely to diverse areas including sports, the armed forces, art and culture, and public service.

Today, I am pleased to have inaugurated a number of important projects that will further improve the quality of life of the people of Manipur. These projects in diverse areas of tribal development, agriculture, infrastructure, electricity, drinking water, education, health & sports reflect our commitment to building a more modern and inclusive Manipur.

The projects for which foundation laying has been done today, cover a wide range of areas like infrastructure, handloom & handicrafts, tourism, electricity, drinking water, security & administration, health & sports. These projects will generate employment, improve infrastructure and accelerate economic activity. They reflect Government’s commitment to inclusive development and empowerment of the people of Manipur.

Over the past several years, major initiatives taken by the Government of India for connectivity, health, infrastructure, education and rural development have brought tangible improvements to people’s lives.

I am aware of the pain that the people of Manipur have gone through following the unfortunate violence. I want to assure you that taking care of the concerns of the people of Manipur is highest priority for us. My government stands with every affected family.

The Union Government remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting Manipur in its journey towards stability and prosperity. The Government is also committed to promote equitable development across the State and will ensure that the fruits of development and progress reach each and every corner of the State.

Manipur has shown remarkable improvement on several indicators of development. This has been made possible due to close cooperation between Union and State Governments and, most importantly, by the hard work of the people of Manipur. Later today, I will be interacting with internally displaced persons here, in Imphal.

Manipur is the gateway to India’s vibrant engagement with South-east Asia. Its youth, culture and natural beauty make it a State with unlimited potential.

Manipur is also known for its self-empowered women. Two days ago, I had the privilege of honouring four women from Manipur among winners from across the country in the National Handicrafts Awards Ceremony. The historic Nupee Lal or women’s war were waged twice during the early decades of the 20 th century by the brave women of Manipur. They succeeded in making the colonial and feudal powers to accept their fair demands. Tomorrow morning, I will have the good fortune of paying floral tributes to the great women at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex. I salute those brave women warriors of Manipur. They inspire every Indian.

The flame of national pride gets brighter at Moirang, just a little distance away from here, where heroic soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj hoisted the Indian Flag in 1944.

In the honour of the brave-hearts of Manipur, Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been named as Mount Manipur. We are assembled at a place throbbing with glorious chapters of our history.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Nature has endowed Manipur with exceptional gifts. I have been told that Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the North-East. It has the only floating National Park, not just in India but on the entire planet. The valley and the hills of Manipur have unrivalled natural beauty.

The interesting game of Polo originated in Manipur. I watched a Polo- Exhibition Match earlier today. I was impressed to see the women of Manipur excelling in this sport demanding highest levels of speed, strength and skills. Manipur is known for its excellence in various sports and games.

The people of Manipur are talented and hardworking. I am sure that the people from the valley and the hills will remain together with renewed harmony and take the State to great heights of prosperity and happiness.

I urge the people of Manipur to continue supporting measures for harmony and development. Let us together strengthen Manipur as a State where every child feels safe, every woman feels empowered, every community feels included, and every citizen moves ahead towards a brighter future.

Thank you!

Thagatchari! Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!