School Principal expresses concern

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 15 : Principal of Sanarei Meitei Higher Secondary School, Kambam Chandrasekhar has expressed apprehension that Meitei people, especially students residing in and around Hailakandi district in Assam are opting less to study in Manipuri medium at schools.
The Principal, who was speaking at an interaction programme organised by Salai Holdings Private Limited (SHPL) at the school further expressed fear that Manipuri book will soon be removed from the schools if the trend continues.
Salai Holdings Private Limited advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram, SHPL board Director as well as NEIDP general secretary CWC Wahengbam Khellendra, SHPL board of director general secretary (Economic Affairs) Yumlembam Briojendra and SHPL board of  director as well as NEIDP general secretary (Organisation and Frontier) M Tolenjao attended the interaction programme among others.
Students from class VI to XII participated in the programme.
SHPL advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram spoke on the function about moral education and elaborated on the role of student in maintaining a healthy relationship with parents and teachers.
Meanwhile, the Principal of the school, while speaking to media persons, stated that Meiteis residing in Laishramkhun  have been receiving education at the school since 1963.
He maintained that now, over 146 students from class VI till XII are studying in Manipuri medium with 22 teachers, after the retirement of 10 teachers.
The students are taught in both Manipuri and English medium from class XI till XII, he said while adding that the books taught in Manipuri medium are provided by the Assam Government for free.
He remarked that Meitei students residing in and around Laishramkhun are opting for English medium at private schools.
There are a total of ten girls and one boy in class XI of Sanarei Meitei Higher Secondary School while there are 12 girls and two boys in class VIII, the Principal informed.
He maintained that more girl students are choosing Manipuri medium schools while boys are more into English medium schools.
However, after a few years, there will be no school left in the district which teaches in Manipuri medium.