Celebrating Excellence: Manipuri Medium HSLC 2026 Toppers Honored in Lakhipur

Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, May 2, 2026: In a grand celebration of academic brilliance and linguistic pride, the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam (Lakhipur District Committee) hosted a felicitation ceremony yesterday to honor the outstanding achievers of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination 2026. The event, held at the Multipurpose Hall in Fulertal, specifically celebrated students from the Manipuri Medium who secured Star and Distinction marks, as well as those who achieved a flawless 100 out of 100 in their MIL (Manipuri) paper across the state. The prestigious gathering was highlighted by the presence of Assam Government Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai, who attended as the Chief Guest. The event not only served as a platform to reward hard-working students but also became a crucial forum for discussing the future of linguistic minority education in the state.

Under the presidency of Leishungbam Rabindra, President of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad's Lakhipur District Committee, the ceremony marked the presentation of the 'Ngariyambam Gour Chandra - Chandra Dhwaj Singha Memorial Cash Award'. The financial backing for this esteemed award was generously provided by Ngariyambam Tarani Singha.

A Gathering of Literary and Educational Stalwarts

The dais was graced by prominent figures from across the Barak Valley and beyond. Dr. Meisnam Ninghaiba, General Secretary of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, attended as a Special Guest. The event also saw active participation from district committee presidents, including Prof. Y. Prafulla (Cachar), Haobam Manisana (Hailakandi), and Lamabam Birendra (Sribhumi). The program was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, following the presentation of the *Lengyan Phee* (traditional Manipuri scarf) to honor the guests. Prof. P. Rajbihari, Secretary of the MSP Assam, delivered a warm welcome address, setting a celebratory yet reflective tone for the day.

Minister Kaushik Rai Promises Systemic Support

A pivotal moment in the ceremony occurred when Retired ACS officer Arambam Nandababu took the stage. He delivered a concise but powerful speech highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Manipuri Medium schools in Assam, successfully drawing the attention of the attending minister. Responding to these concerns, Minister Kaushik Rai made a significant public assurance. He acknowledged the existing infrastructural and academic hurdles within the Manipuri Medium education system. In a highly welcomed move, the Minister announced that he would soon convene a dedicated meeting with the members of the Parishad to deeply analyze and resolve these pressing issues.

 

Honoring the Architects of Success and Top Achievers

The ceremony duly recognized the educators behind these stellar results. Headmasters from several prominent institutions—including Sapormoina High School, Indramani Public High School (Hailakandi), Sonai Jubati Singha Manipuri High School, Singerband High School, Bantarapur High School, and Karaikandi Public High School—were felicitated with citations and traditional scarves. The spotlight then turned to the student achievers. State Topper in the Manipuri Medium, Yaiphabi Chanu, was honored with a *Lengyan Phee*, a citation, and a cash reward of Rs. 5,000 presented by Minister Kaushik Rai. Similarly, Cachar District Topper Leishungbam Malemnganbi received Rs. 5,000 from the Minister. In an inspiring show of cross-state support, Longjam Joy Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Manipur, contributed an additional Rs. 3,000 towards Malemnganbi's cash award.

Background & Context

In Assam's diverse educational landscape, the HSLC examination is a critical milestone for students. For linguistic minorities in the Barak Valley, studying in their mother tongue—such as Manipuri—is both a constitutional right and a vital tool for cultural preservation. However, vernacular mediums often face distinct challenges, including a shortage of subject-specific teachers, delayed textbook distribution, and infrastructural deficits. The intervention of high-ranking state officials at community-led events like this bridges the gap between grassroots educational bodies and the state's policymaking apparatus, ensuring that minority languages continue to thrive in the academic sphere.

 

Impact on Local Community / Region

This felicitation ceremony has a profound impact on the local communities of Cachar, Hailakandi, and the newly formed Sribhumi district. By publicly recognizing 28 outstanding students from across the Barak Valley—each receiving a citation, a *Lengyan Phee*, and a cash prize of Rs. 1,000—the Sahitya Parishad has significantly boosted the morale of young learners. Furthermore, the sponsorship of refreshments by local patron Leishungbam Kishore Chandra demonstrates the deep-rooted community support for educational excellence. This collective encouragement fosters a competitive and healthy academic environment for future HSLC batches.

Why This Matters / Key Takeaways

• Empowerment of Vernacular Education: Recognizing Manipuri medium students encourages the preservation of mother-tongue education in Assam.
• Government Accountability: Minister Kaushik Rai's commitment to holding a review meeting provides hope for tangible policy solutions regarding school infrastructure and staffing.
• Community Synergy: The collaboration between local leaders, the Sahitya Parishad, and donors from neighboring Manipur highlights a unified approach to youth development.
• Academic Motivation: Financial rewards and public recognition set a high benchmark, motivating junior students to strive for state-level distinction.

The well-coordinated event, expertly anchored by MSP Lakhipur Secretary Ingudam Nilbir and Prof. P. Rajbihari Singh, concluded on a highly optimistic note. A formal vote of thanks was delivered by CEC Member Sapam Robindra. As these bright students prepare for their higher secondary education, the assurances made by the state government spark renewed hope for the strengthening of the Manipuri Medium academic infrastructure in Assam.

✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team