Carrying forward the campaign for mass awareness on the various developmental projects initiated by the Government of India, a five-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiatives in North East’ was set rolling Tuesday at Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa, Lilong in Thoubal district of Manipur.

The exhibition with a collection of 130-odd photographs was opened amidst impressive gathering by Md Shah Alam, chairperson, Lilong (Tbl) Nagar Panchayat. The campaign which would continue till September 22 is being organized by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, Md Shah Alam noted with satisfaction about the photo exhibition that aims at creating mass awareness about the pace of centrally-sponsored schemes in Manipur.

‘This photo exhibition teaches us the road for development, particularly in Lilong’, said the chairperson and called upon the public for grapping the opportunity of photo exhibition to learn about the programs of the government. ‘The tragedy is that, about 90% of the populace is not aware of those beautiful schemes.

On the other hand, the 10% of those who have the knowledge of these schemes misused it’, lamented the chairperson. Narrating his survey, Alam said that 90% of beneficiaries who have availed Old Age Pension schemes were between 25-45 years.

Md Islauddin Shah, principal, Lilong Hr Sec Madrassa said that the success of centrally-sponsored schemes lies in sincere and honest implementation.

‘We all have the responsibilities for the successful implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes’, said the principal and informed that his Madrassa was getting the benefit of central schemes such as RMSA, SSA, Mid-day meal, Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, etc.

In a fitting response from the public, many visitors were seen visiting the exhibition hall, glancing the photos one after another. Commenting on the exhibition, O Noyon Singh, Lecturer (Physics), Lilong Hr Secondary Madrassa said the photo exhibition was an excellent platform to know the development of the people of our country, particularly the North East.

‘It helps in knowing the development in North East’ echoed RK Sanatomba Singh, lecturer (Eco). Md Nasir Hussain Shah, lecturer (Edn) feels that the photo exhibition is a good medium to educate the public on various government projects.

‘Good exhibition and first time at Lilong’ concludes Shah. Adding more significance to the campaign, the photo exhibition is an excellent source of information and knowledge for the students and young learners.

Students at the exhibition.‘This photo exhibition teaches me many things. It’s informative’, said Kh Rukshana, a Xth grader of Lilong Hr Secondary Madrassa while talking to visiting media persons on the sideline of the exhibition.