SFI Manipur Holds Sixth State Conference

A Ibemcha Chanu

Senate Kh

THE Manipur state unit of the Students Federation of India (SFI) held its  sixth state conference from April 30 to May 2 at the Tamphasana Girls Higher Secondary School, Imphal, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious girls’ higher secondary schools in Manipur. The conference was inaugurated in the well-decorated school premises where banners proclaiming Independence, Democracy, Socialism fluttered all over. The musical band of the Democratic Youth Federation of India’s Langthabal local committee played revolutionary tunes, charging the members and delegates with zeal to strive forward.

SFI vice president and the president of its West Bengal state committee, Somnath Bhattacharya, hoisted the flag, marking the beginning of the conference in a clear afternoon after a mild shower in the morning. It was followed by floral tributes at the martyrs’ column.

At Comrade Sahidur Rahman Memorial Hall, the inaugural session was graced by Professor I S Khaidem, former chairman of Manipur Public Service Commission and former vice chancellor of Manipur University, as the chief guest. State SFI president Ph Nirshan chaired the function. Dr Y Mohendro (former director, College Development Council, Manipur University), Professor Ksh Bimola (Dean of Social Sciences), Dr Rajmohon (Dean of Students), Amrik Singh Pahwa (convenor of the Imphal Bazar Communities Board), Somnath Bhattarcharya and Kallol Roy (SFI joint secretary) also attended the session. R K Sanajaoba of the reception committee read out the welcome address.

Professor Y Mohendro delivered the key note address, lauding the role the SFI has played especially against the anti-people policies and divisive role of the NDA government. He said the SFI has played a pivotal role in safeguarding territorial integrity and communal harmony in the state. Professor Bimola asserted the important role the students have to play vis-à-vis the onslaught of privatisation, globalisation and liberalisation. Dr N Rajmohan stressed the changing scenario of the world with the advancement of information technology and its implications for the society. Somanth Bhattacharya and Kallol Roy highlighted the policies of the NDA government and recalled the SFI’s role in protecting secularism and national unity.

The prizes for the state level open mathematics competition, organised by the SFI, on April 21 in connection with the state conference, were also distributed. The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Chinglen Meishnam, convenor of the reception committee.

Ph Nirshan, H Ibetombi, Aziz Haider and Lulun Misao, constituted the presidium for the delegates' session while S Ronel, A Ibemcha Chanu and M Shantikumar formed the steering committee. The minutes committee included Senate Kh, Gunabati B and N Heneshwor and the credentials committee consisted of  S Pari, Ph Devarani, Y Kamdebo, B Somolata and Y Bengky. A nine-page political-organisational report was presented by state SFI secretary A Ibemcha on behalf of the state committee.

The second day of the conference was the historic May Day that was observed in a solemn manner. Fraternal greetings were received from various organisations like the DYFI, CRU, AMDWA, AISF, MUSU, GMSA, etc.

Altogether 92 delegates including 35 girls participated in the conference, while 25 delegates including 8 girls took part in the discussion. A remarkable qualitative change was observed especially in representation of minority students including tribals and Muslims.

The conference adopted 18 resolutions --- on academics, unemployment and development, against imperialism, against black laws, on the threats to the territorial integrity of Manipur, and other important issues. About organisation, it decided to regularise its journal immediately and begin a membership drive.

A 27-member state committee along with 5 permanent invitees was elected on the last day. The state secretariat will have 10 members, with Yumnam Bengky Singh as state president and Ayekpam Ibemcha Chanu as state secretary.

The conference concluded with a resolve to move forward with vigour and vitality, to struggle more and study more.