Determined to script a new chapter, says Nishikant

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 12: Nishikant Singh Sapam who has been preparing to contest the forthcoming Manipur Legis-lative Assembly election from Keishamthong Assem-bly segment has asserted that he is determined to script a new chapter in the political history of Manipur.
The Indian Dental Association (IDA), Manipur State Branch organised the 21st Manipur State Dental Conference 2021 and also held its 31st annual general body meeting at Hotel Classic Grande, here this evening.
It is reported that the conference began yesterday.
Owner of The Sangai Express Nishikant Singh Sa-pam, Prof Dr T Naba- chandra of RIMS, IDA Manipur president elect Dr B Gokulchandra Sharma, ex-president Dr RK Ratan-kumar and secretary Dr Laimayum Thompson were the presidium members.
Speaking at the conference, Dr L Thompson said that the IDA has about 900 members now, of which  nearly 200 dentists are specialists.
Claiming that the Mani-pur Health Services, RIMS and JNIMS employ only about 200 dentists, he added that most of the dental surgeons opt to work at  private hospitals with minimal  salary and opening a general hospital is expensive and takes a long process.
Claiming that those in the dentistry profession are often neglected at the time of promotion at Manipur Health Services, he added that not giving a single slot for Dentists in the  notification issued recently by the Government for appointment of MOs is also very unfortunate.
Further stating that Manipur State Dental Council was also established very lately though there were about 200 specialists, Dr L Thompson said that the Manipur State Dental Tribunal which was established in 2013 was upgraded to the level of council only recently.
However, the council is still unable to work productively due to the non-appointment of its Registrar from amongst the specialists, he said and added that the dentists have highlighted their problems to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but no tangible actions have been taken up so far.
Speaking as the chief guest, Nishikant Singh Sapam stated that dentistry is a complicated profession that has varied specializations.
Saying that he grew up as a very shy boy and didn't even disclose his toothache to his father, Nishikant added that he became aware of the skills and expertise of dentists at Kolkata after having two children.
He said that the problem being faced by a dentist in opening one clinic as mentioned by Dr Thompson is very upsetting and expressed desire for the IDA to play a key role in spreading awareness on dental health.
Further stating that he would  work his best to deliver justice to the dentists who have been sidelined most of the time if elected by the people of Keishamthong AC, Nishikant asserted that all deserving candidates should be given their proper places.
On his political venture, Nishikant said that he joined his father's publication business right after completing his education.
Saying that he stood firmly to give his full time to business after witnessing instances of corruption, Nishikant added that he owns one media house and a hotel.
"I entered into politics with a commitment to script a new chapter in the political history of Manipur and will never engage in corrupt activities," he asserted.
Reiterating that he will not take even a paisa unethically, Nishikant reaffirmed that whatever he had spent in his political journey is a dedication to the people and will never try to regain the amount spent on election.
"I will also not interfere in contract works and transfer and posting of Government employees," he continued.
Maintaining that he will serve the people with utmost dedication and selflessness, Nishikant asserted that Manipur will surely see a new dawn of development if more honest politicians  come forward.
Later, Nishikant presented Rs 50,000 to IDA, Manipur. He also distributed certificates to some students who read out papers at the conference.