Imphal: India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that the Government of India’s policy of ‘Act East’, upgraded from the ‘Look East’ policy has given an impetus to the North Eastern region and made way for its overall development on May 3. He said that North-East's development is integral to India's growth story.

On his maiden visit to the state of Manipur as the Vice President, Dhankhar addressed students and teachers at Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur and later at Manipur University.

Speaking at the Dhanamanjuri University, Dhankhar observed that the infrastructure in the North-Eastern region is fast improving, referring to upgraded rail connectivity, and increase in the number of airports, among other initiatives.

He said the North-Eastern culture, diversity, dances, and natural vegetation are unparalleled in the world.

He added that he was touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Manipuri people and that it was evident the state's happiness index was indeed high.

Calling the students as foot soldiers of 2047, the Vice President said students must not only dream of big ideas but also pursue them to make them into reality, making use of the avenues for growth and becoming job creators rather than job seekers.

The Vice President said the National Educational Policy - 2020 was a visionary document and a game changer as it envisions that education should not be limited to a degree but should result in improving skills and instilling values.

Addressing students at the Manipur University, the Vice President encouraged them to experiment with various ideas. He said 'fear is the biggest killer of innovation' and wanted them to implement their dreams.

The Vice President observed that the world is looking at India's growth, which is best exemplified through its thriving startup ecosystem. He said India is now looked at as a land of opportunity, every investor in the world is focusing more on India because of its rich human resources and increasingly transparent government processes. He called upon the students to always keep the nation first and take pride in its achievements.

Anusuiya Uikey, the Governor of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Govt. of India, Shri Th. Basanta Singh, the Education Minister, Manipur, Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Dhanamanjuri University, Prof. N Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University and other dignitaries were present at these events.

ALSO READ: Automobile retail sales in India dips 4 per cent in April