32nd FOUNDATION DAY OF MMI HELD AT LAMDAN

Imphal, December 27 , 2017(DIPR): The 32nd Foundation Day of Manipur Mountaineering Institute(MMI) organised by the Training Wing of Manipur Mountaineering and Training Association(MMTA) was held today at Lamdan, Henglep Sub-Division of Churachandpur District.

The function was attended by CAF&PD,Revenue,Relief & Rehabilitation Minister Shri Karam Shyam as the Chief Guest, MLA,Henglep A/C,Chairma Hill Area Committee,Shri T. Thangzalam Haokip; Founder President MMTA Shri R.K. Ranendrajit Singh & Vice-President Zeliangrong Union, Manipur. Assam & Nagaland, Shri R Chandra Haomei as the Guests of Honour and President MMTA, Shri Bijoy Kakchingtbam as the President.

The dignitaries were felicitated with a badge and shawl each during the function. They paid floral tributes to the photo of Sir Tenzing Norgay who laid the foundation stone of MMI at Lamdan in 1986.

“Natural beauty is there in Manipur, just a little man-made effort is required for bringing the much needed change”, Minister Karam Shyam expressed after making a comparison with our State and the 15 foreign countries he has travelled so far.
The MMTA has played humanitarian roles in helping the people residing in the hills in times of crisis, he said. “A big success factor of the mountaineers is their ability to face physical, mental and moral challenges”, he pointed.
The Minister also praised the hospitality& cultured approach shown to him by the locality of Pallel in the recent Christmas saying the dance, love and bonding there are all part of civilisation.

Regarding quick development of the hill areas, he said sincerity and sacrifice on the part of the elected leaders and awareness amongst the people about their own rights, he appealed that proper utilisation of land resources can go a long way in bringing peace & communal harmony in the State in addition to curbing the divide between the hills and the plains.

Assuring that a concrete plan to the CM about the issue will bring desired results, he donated Rs.50,000 to aid in the infrastructure development & help remove financial bottlenecks.

Recalling the air crash at Thangjing Hills in 1991, MLA T. Thangzalam Haokip appreciated the MMI volunteers for their noble efforts in coming to the rescue of the victims. He also assured that the strategic location of MMI at Lamdan has good scope for tourist destination and adventure sports stating that he is ready to extend co-operation for achieving the visions and milestones of the institute.

Conveying that its a nostalgic event, R.K. Ranendrajit expressed that its a dream come true when the trainees of MMI scaled the Mount Everest peak with the support of the Government who are funding Rs.10 Lakhs every year for their maintenance.
He also said that the two things lagging behind now are funds for proper infrastructure development and human resources without which quality leadership cannot be nurtured.

Highlighting that the main vision of MMI is to focus the mindset and energy of the youths towards adventure sports instead of indulging in drugs, militant & other violent activities, he convinced the gathering that a disciplined lifestyle of the youths will surely lead to the development of National character of the country.

Gifts were handed over to the various village representatives as token of appreciation for their commendable service as part of the function.
Staff from Gurkha Regiment, Red Cross Society, Planning, YAS & other related Departments took part in the event.