A group of 23 students and two teachers from the Tamenglong and Senapati Districts of Manipur called on the President today (November 3, 2012).

They were in Delhi as part of a national integration programme organized by the Assam Rifles.

Addressing the students the President praised the rich cultural heritage of Manipur as well as its gentle and patriotic people. He recalled that Manipur had become independent before the rest of India and part of Moreh and adjoining areas had been liberated by the Indian National Army under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

He complimented Assam Rifles for their initiative to bring the children to Delhi and called upon the children to discover how India is transforming itself in the contemporary period. He said Manipur has made rich contributions to the rest of India in the field of culture as well as sports.

This release issued at 1500 hrs.