Imphal, October 1, 2026: The Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE), Manipur University, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India observed its 5th Foundation Day-cum-Felicitation Programme at the University Auditorium on Thursday, celebrating the achievements of students who have secured positions in different government services and qualified national-level examinations.

Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Lt Gen (Retd) Konsam Himalay Singh, former Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission; R.K. Nimai Singh, IAS, former Commissioner, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur; Prof. N. Basanta Singh, Dean, School of Engineering, Manipur University; Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei, Dean, School of Life Sciences, Manipur University; and Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, attended as Guests of Honour. Dr. Salam Shantikumar Singh, Programme Coordinator, DACE, Manipur University, presided over the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh stressed the importance of disciplined and honest preparation for competitive examinations. He urged aspirants to recognise gaps in their knowledge, seek guidance from experts and avoid relying on guesswork. Punctuality, regular attendance and effective use of time, he said, remain essential to serious preparation.

Appreciating the work of DACE and the achievements of its students, the Vice-Chancellor called for continued strengthening of the Centre through greater academic support, engagement of experts and improvement of the learning environment so that aspirants can compete effectively at different levels.

Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, urged students to treat their experiences, successes and setbacks as opportunities for reflection and growth. Recalling his earlier interactions with civil service aspirants at DACE, he said young people entering public service would have opportunities to understand existing systems and contribute towards improving them.

Drawing on examples from public service delivery, he highlighted the need to examine both the strengths and limitations of different welfare delivery mechanisms. He also spoke about the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in governance, while stressing that technology should strengthen systems and service delivery rather than replace human judgement.

Encouraging aspirants to work wholeheartedly towards competitive examinations, Rajkumar said the experiences gathered during their preparation should help them understand their strengths and decide how they want to move forward in life.

Lt Gen (Retd) Konsam Himalay Singh congratulated the successful candidates and reminded aspirants that success should not be measured merely by securing a particular post. He linked meaningful achievement with responsibility, humility, character and service to society.

He said clearing an examination should be regarded as the beginning of a longer journey rather than its end and encouraged students to face obstacles with dedication, discipline and perseverance. Describing DACE as having the potential to serve as a “diamond-polishing centre” for Manipur’s talent, he emphasised the need for quality coaching, expert guidance and stronger infrastructure.

R.K. Nimai Singh reflected on the changing educational environment and growing competition faced by the younger generation. Drawing from his own student days, he underlined the importance of discipline, systematic preparation, time management and maintaining a balance between academics and other pursuits. He also reminded students of their responsibilities towards society and the institutions that help shape them.

Prof. N. Basanta Singh congratulated the successful candidates and appreciated the faculty and staff of DACE for the Centre’s achievements. He reminded the successful candidates that clearing a competitive examination was an important milestone, but only the beginning of their larger responsibilities. Wherever they serve, he urged them to uphold honesty and integrity and contribute meaningfully to society.

Prof. Basanta also proposed that Manipur University explore the feasibility of introducing GATE coaching through DACE, pointing out that GATE scores are used by various organisations for recruitment and other opportunities. He said such coaching could create another important avenue for engineering students and aspirants in Manipur.

Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei focused on perseverance and mental preparedness while facing competitive examinations and challenges in life. He told students that difficulties and frustration are part of the process of growth and that success often depends on how one responds to adversity.

He stressed that candidates should not allow fear, anxiety or earlier limitations to define what they can achieve. Referring to the role of DACE, he said the Centre should guide and prepare young people to move beyond barriers and open doors to wider opportunities. He congratulated the Centre on its fifth Foundation Day and the successful candidates on their achievements.

Presenting an account of the Centre’s progress and achievements, Dr. Shantikumar said 27 students of DACE have secured positions in different government services, while 16 students have qualified NET/JRF. He said the Centre chose to recognise the NET/JRF qualifiers alongside those entering government service as their academic achievement could open further opportunities in higher education.

He said DACE follows a rigorous coaching schedule, including regular monitoring of attendance and follow-up with students preparing for competitive examinations. He stressed that although coaching is provided free of cost under the scheme, students are expected to maintain discipline, regular attendance and commitment to their preparation.

Tracing the institutional journey of the Centre, Dr. Shantikumar referred to Manipur University’s engagement with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, under the free coaching initiative. He said that following an assessment of its performance, the Centre has received a further three-year extension to continue its activities.

He further said that DACE would expand its coaching initiatives under the schemes entrusted to the Centre, including coaching programmes for eligible Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates.

At the same time, the Programme Coordinator drew attention to infrastructure constraints faced by DACE. He said the Centre currently has only two classrooms with a combined capacity of around 80 students, limiting the number of aspirants who can be accommodated. He sought the University’s support for additional space and improvement of basic facilities, including sanitation and water supply.

Earlier, Heigrujam Premkumar Singh, faculty member of DACE, delivered the welcome address. He welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, successful candidates, alumni, students and participants and expressed the hope that the achievements being celebrated would inspire present aspirants to dream bigger and work consistently towards their goals.

Speaking on behalf of the successful alumni, N. Malemnganbi Chanu of the Manipur Secretariat Service (MSS) recalled that she had joined DACE with a dream but also with doubts and uncertainties. She said the Centre provided not merely guidance and preparation for competitive examinations but also the confidence to keep moving forward and, most importantly, to believe in herself.

She expressed gratitude to Dr. Salam Shantikumar Singh, the faculty members and mentors for their guidance, patience and encouragement. She said the felicitation was not merely an honour but also a reminder of where her journey began, how far she had come and the people who helped her along the way.

She also thanked the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for supporting the initiative and providing students with opportunities to prepare, grow and move closer to their goals.

The programme included the felicitation of successful candidates and recognition of faculty members associated with the Centre, along with a group song and other programme items. A booklet titled, "Success Story of Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence, Manipur University" was also released. Arbind Salam proposed the vote of thanks.

The fifth Foundation Day highlighted DACE’s continuing role in providing structured coaching and academic support to competitive examination aspirants while also drawing attention to the need for stronger infrastructure and wider coaching opportunities for students in Manipur.