Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, called on the younger generation to play a decisive role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat-2047 vision, stressing that a developed India could only be achieved through the wholehearted participation of its youth. His remarks came during the presentation ceremony of the Governor's Award, 2026 and the Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Awards, 2026, held in Imphal.

Governor's Address at the Award Ceremony

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said that both Viksit Bharat-2047 and Viksit Manipur-2047 are priorities of the government, and that these goals could be realised only with the active and sincere contribution of citizens across all fields. He urged awardees and young people alike to contribute meaningfully in their respective domains, whether in academics, sports, social work, or public service.

He congratulated all recipients for their outstanding achievements, dedication, and hard work, noting that awards serve not merely to recognise individual excellence but to inspire others to strive higher. 'Awards not only recognise achievements but also encourage others to strive for excellence,' he said.

Legacy of the Awards

Governor Bhalla recalled that the Governor's Award, instituted in 1998, recognises excellence in academics and co-curricular activities among students of Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya. The Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Awards, instituted earlier in 1983, honour excellence in teaching, teacher education, nursing, sports, social work, support for the differently abled, and co-curricular activities — reflecting a broad conception of public contribution.

Holistic Education and Character Building

Emphasising the importance of well-rounded development, Bhalla noted that participation in sports and co-curricular activities fosters confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of responsibility — qualities he described as essential to nation-building. He acknowledged the critical role of parents, teachers, coaches, institutions, and communities in shaping the awardees' success, and urged recipients to uphold discipline, perseverance, integrity, and a spirit of service to society.

Awardees and Distinguished Attendees

The Governor's Award, 2026 was presented to Sushitra Ningthemchamayum, a Class 11 (Science) student of R.K. Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya. The Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Awards, 2026 were presented to selected students and personalities recognised for contributions across education, teaching, nursing, sports, social work, and co-curricular activities.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, and Dr R.K. Nimai Singh, Chairman of the Selection Board of the Awards. Governor Bhalla expressed hope that the achievements of this year's awardees would inspire a wider circle of young Manipuris to pursue excellence and serve society — a message that dovetails with the state's broader development agenda under Viksit Manipur-2047.