Newmai News Network Imphal | November 10 The Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla today inaugurated the Silver Jubilee celebration of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) Imphal unit (Tangkhul Women Union, Imphal unit) at MBC Recreation Centre, Imphal. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor stated that the Tangkhul Women Union has been working for the cause of Tangkhul women, especially for their social and economic empowerment since its inception 25 years ago. "It has been rendering good services for spreading education among the Tangkhul women and taking up various activities of social service. The Tangkhul society has a rich culture and it is really gratifying that the Tangkhul womenfolk are making sincere efforts for the preservation and enrichment of their cultural heritage," the Governor also said. She then acknowledged that Tangkhul women who have come together and joined hands under the Union for an inclusive growth of their society and participate in nation building."As you are well aware, India is a secular democracy where people of all religions and cultures have been living with honour and dignity", she said, adding, "Divisive forces and tendencies have existed in all societies and at all times". Dr Najma said that the Tangkhul society has had spells of turmoil in history. "Tangkhul women have faced these turmoils with courage and fortitude. There will be challenges in life and more often than not women bear the brunt of these challenges in the society. But it should be our endeavour to create an atmosphere of social harmony and move forward together as one," the Governor added. Dr Najma Heptulla then said that, in order to truly empower women in the society, education is a must. "Women in our society particularly in the hill districts are lagging behind in education," she added. She then appealed to the Union to work for spreading education among the womenfolk. "Not only on the educational front, the women in the villages should be appropriately skilled for their economic empowerment," the Governor also stated. "The Union can take the lead to organise training and awareness camps for women especially for those in the far flung areas. After proper skilling, these women will not only be supporting their families economically but also earn a place in the society to live with self-respect and dignity. The services rendered by the Union will go a long way in the upliftment of many helpless and needy Tangkhul women of the State," the Governor added. Cultural dances (depicting the victory of war), displaying of traditional attire, folk song and choreography were shown in the Silver Jubilee celebration by various units under the Union.
