By Dr. Syed Ahmed, TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: The opening function of a coaching centre was organized at Lilong in Manipur on February 10, 2013. Lilong happens to be the largest Muslim inhabited area in the State.
The opening function of the Dynamic Study Centre was attended by some of the renowned academicians of the State. Secretary of Manipur State Minorities Commission and Associate Professor of DM College of Science Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, Senior Journalist Yumnam Rupachandra, renowned Social Scientist Dr. Dhanabir Laishram, Assistant Professor of Lilong Haoreibi College Dr. Syed Ahmed, Social Worker Alhaj Ahamed Ali, Sub-Deputy Collector Md. Ajijur Rahman and District Information Officer of Thoubal Md. Abdul Kayum were the presidium members.
Giving the key-note address, the founder of the Md. Hayatur Rahman (Akuba) said, “The Muslims of Lilong have been feeling the need for a coaching centre for quite a long time. I hope this coaching centre will surely fulfill the need of the Muslims of Lilong and its surrounding areas. Lilong is the largest Muslim inhabited area in the State. The area has over the years produced numerous rank holders in X, XII exams, or in the exams for professional courses, like Medical or Engineering entrance exams, conducted by the State and the Central boards.
Presidium members of the function
Md. Ismat, who topped the CBSE-AISSCE 2012 was from Lilong. Besides these, many meritorious students from the area have also cleared in prestigious job recruitment exams. Out of the 9 Muslims who cleared the State Civil Services exam last year, three are from Lilong. Today Muslim parents are also showing great concern over the education of their children. They are sending their children in the coaching centres situated in far off places. Considering the problems that the Muslim parents of Lilong area face in sending their children to far off places for coaching classes we have decided to open the coaching centre here at Lilong, which is the first of its kind here.”
Md. Hayatur Rahman is a young social activist, who is associated with many students’ organizations of the State. He is also the advisor of Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Students’ Organization.
Addressing the function, Dr. Dhanabir Laishram talked on the role of parents and teachers in shaping the career of a child. He said, “Home is the first institution of a child from where he/she learns. Parents need to play an essential role in the education of their children. They need to pay attention to their children. They need to spare time from their busy schedule for their children…The children should be given responsibilities. Their views should be appreciated. Parents should watch their daily activities. They should try to know and discuss their problems. Parents should not be very strict and vigilant on their children. They need to know the hidden talents of their children. They should not be forced to do something which they are not interested.”
Lamenting the lack of good teachers today, Laishram said, “Once there were good teachers who joined the profession because they loved to teach. Sadly today, those people who fail to become civil servant, engineer or doctor get in the teaching profession. These people are least interested in their profession. We need good teachers. If you want to know what makes a good teacher you can go through UNESCO’s book entitled What makes a Good Teacher? (1996). In the book over 500 children from around 50 countries in the age-group of 8-12 contributed their opinions.”
In his speech, Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh talked about Central Government’s plan of starting community colleges in the States. He said, “I came back from Delhi after attending the international conference on community colleges. Union HRD Ministry is planning to start 200 community colleges in various parts of India from the next academic session with an aim to build the capacity of our youth. India government realizes the shortage of skilled people in various sectors, including IT. The kind of curriculum which is followed in the educational institutions across the country fails to generate employable or skilled people. In short, our education system fails to meet the demands of the market. The community colleges will be instituted to meet these needs. Manipur will also be getting at least 3 such community colleges. We are proposing one such college at Lilong.”
The Dynamic Study Centre is starting a five month foundation course for Class VIII, IX and X.