Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Pune: Extending a helping hand to the people affected by conflicts in the Northeast, particularly Manipur, Sarhad, a prominent NGO in the country, has begun works on setting up a girls’ hostel for which its foundation stone was laid on Sunday.
Manipur deputy chief minister and Naga leader Losii Dikho laid the stone of the around rupees ten crore project christened “Late Smt. Jamnabai Firodia North East India Bhavan – Rani Gaidinliu Girls’ Hostel,” at Gujar- Nimbalkarwadi, Katraj, here on Sunday.
Chairman of automobile giant, Force Motors, Abhay Fidodah attended the stone laying ceremony as president in presence of three distinguish invitees -senior scribes from Manipur – Brozendra Ningomba, K Sarojkumar Sharma and Keisham Yaiphaba.
The landmark initiative has helped spread the glorification of the nation’s iconic freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu, a Zeliangrong woman from Manipur, across the western parts of the country.
For over three years, ethnic strife has devastated Manipur — killing over 250 people and displacing around 70,000 — even as the government and civil groups work to restore peace.
Impressed by the yeomen service rendered by Sarhad, Dikho lauded Sanjay Nahar, founder president of the NGO for taking up such a meaningful and visionary initiative for the welfare of students od strife-riddled northeast.
He also expressed special appreciation to the three journalists from Manipur whom he described as the backbone behind making the programme possible.
Dikho remarked that the project is much more than just a building, saying “It represents our shared commitment to supporting the youth from every part of the country. The North Eastern region is a vital part of India’s heritage, blessed with rich traditions, immense talent, and immense potential that contributes to the nation’s progress.”
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, every young person, irrespective of where they come from, should have equal access to quality education and opportunities, added the deputy CM.
Describing the proposed Bhavan as a “home away from home” for students from the northeast, Dikho said it would provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment that would support their education, personal growth, and long-term success. He added that the Bhavan would become a permanent sanctuary, especially for students from Manipur studying in Pune.
He praised Sarhad for its remarkable work in Punjab and Kashmir through education and community development programmes, promoting national integration, unity, and peace by bringing people together.
He also thanked the Firodia family for their generous contribution and hoped their legacy of philanthropy would continue for generations to come. He assured that the Manipur government would continue to support such initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and expanding educational opportunities for students from the northeast.
Dr Abhay said that though the ceremony was a small event, it would have a far-reaching impact in the future. Stressing the importance of national integration, he said that connecting the people of India is essential for building a stronger nation. He observed that certain foreign elements have attempted to create a sense of alienation among the people of the North East from the rest of the country, but such efforts have not succeeded.
Referring to the strategic importance of the 20-kilometre-wide Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, Dr. Firodia said that strengthening emotional and cultural ties between the North East and the rest of India is equally important.
The renowned industrialist expressed confidence that the upcoming hostel would serve as a bridge connecting the people of the North East, particularly Manipur, with the rest of the country. He said the hostel would provide a safe environment for students while promoting cultural exchange, national unity, and a sense of belonging.
Sanjay Nahar, said the hostel whose completion target is set within one and a half year would play a significant role in fostering harmony and understanding among the different communities of Manipur.
Students from diverse backgrounds and communities would stay together, live together, study together, and interact with one another under one roof, he said.
“Such an environment would promote mutual respect, friendship, and trust, sending a strong message of peace, unity, and national integration,” he continued.
He expressed confidence that the Bhavan would become a symbol of hope and togetherness, helping strengthen bonds not only among the people of Manipur but also between the North East and the rest of India.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen educational opportunities, national integration, and the welfare of students from the North Eastern states through this landmark initiative.
