Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho laid the foundation stone for the proposed ‘Late Smt. Jamnabai Firodia North East India Bhavan – Rani Gaidinliu Girls’ Hostel’ in Pune on Sunday. The project, worth around Rs 10 crore, is being developed by Sarhad, a Pune-based NGO, at Gujar-Nimbalkarwadi in Katraj.
The initiative aims to provide safe accommodation and educational support to students from the Northeast, particularly those from conflict-hit Manipur. The project also honours Rani Gaidinliu, the iconic freedom fighter from the Zeliangrong community of Manipur, helping bring wider recognition to her legacy in western India. For more than three years, ethnic violence has devastated Manipur, claiming over 250 lives and displacing around 70,000 people, even as the government and civil society continue efforts to restore peace.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Force Motors Chairman Dr Abhay Firodia, senior journalists from Manipur – Brozendra Ningomba, K Sarojkumar Sharma and Keisham Yaiphaba, among others. Addressing the gathering, Dikho lauded Sarhad founder-president Sanjay Nahar for taking up the initiative, describing it as meaningful and visionary for the welfare of students from the conflict-affected Northeast. He also acknowledged the contribution of the three senior journalists from Manipur, describing them as instrumental in making the project possible.
Dikho said the project represents a shared commitment to supporting the youth from every part of the country, and that 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. He described the proposed Bhavan as a ‘home away from home’ for students from the Northeast, providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment to support their education, personal growth, and long-term success. He said that 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.
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised Sarhad’s work in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir through education and community development initiatives that promote national integration, unity, and peace. Dr Abhay Firodia said that although the ceremony was modest, the project would have a far-reaching impact in the years ahead. Emphasizing the importance of national integration, he said strengthening connections among people from different parts of India is essential for building a stronger nation.
Referring to the strategic importance of the 20-km-wide Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, Dr Firodia said strengthening emotional and cultural ties between the Northeast and the rest of India is equally important. Sanjay Nahar said the hostel is expected to be completed within one and a half years and would play a significant role in fostering harmony and understanding among the different communities of Manipur. He expressed confidence that the Bhavan would become a symbol of hope and togetherness, strengthening bonds not only among the people of Manipur but also between the Northeast and the rest of India.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to promote educational opportunities, national integration, and the welfare of students from the Northeastern states through the landmark initiative.
