Imphal: In a major initiative aimed at youth empowerment and national integration, Assam Rifles successfully sponsored and facilitated a comprehensive educational and cultural exposure tour for 13 students and 03 teachers from Manipur. The delegation attended the prestigious SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) International Convention, hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur from May 25 to May 31, 2026.
The journey kicked off on May 23, 2026, with a high-profile flagging-off ceremony at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal, graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur. Blessing the young ambassadors, the Governor commended Assam Rifles for creating such invaluable avenues for local youth. The Governor emphasized that representing Manipur at a premier institute like IIT Kharagpur would not only broaden the students’ horizons but also strengthen the bonds of national unity through shared cultural heritage.
The delegation representing the talent and diversity of Manipur included 05 students and 01 teacher from ARPS Keithelmanbi, 05 students and 01 teacher ARPS Mantripukhri and 03 students and 01 teacher Manipur University.
From May 25 to May 31, the students immersed themselves in the intensive atmosphere of the SPIC MACAY convention. They participated in early-morning yoga, holistic workshops, and interactive sessions with living legends of Indian classical music, dance and traditional crafts. The experience exposed the students to the rigor, discipline, and beauty of India’s diverse arts, while giving them a national platform to share the unique culture of Manipur with peers from across the country.
Upon their successful return to Imphal, a warm “flagging-in” reception was organized to honor the contingent’s achievements at Ashoka Hall, Mantripukhri on 04 June 2026. The event was graced by Senior Officials of Assam Rifles, including the Deputy Inspector General (South), the Commander, 9 Sector Assam Rifles and Commanding Officer 31 AR.
A key highlight of the ceremony was an engaging interaction between the returning students and the senior leadership. Sitting down with the Deputy IG (S) and the Commander, 9 Sector AR, the youth eagerly shared stories of their breakthroughs—overcoming stage fright, learning new art forms, and networking with scholars.
The Senior Officials listened intently, praising the students’ confidence and intellectual curiosity. They encouraged the youth to utilize this exposure to inspire their peers back home and reaffirmed that Assam Rifles remains deeply invested in mentoring and providing life-changing opportunities for the youth of Manipur.
The ceremony concluded with moving votes of thanks delivered by students and teachers. With the successful culmination of this tour, Assam Rifles continues to live up to its mantle as the ‘Sentinels of North East,’ fostering peace and progress by investing directly in the future leaders of Manipur.
