Pune: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the proposed “Late Smt. Jamnabai Firodia North East India Bhavan – Rani Gaidinliu Girls’ Hostel” in Pune, a project aimed at providing safe accommodation and educational support to students from the Northeast, particularly those from conflict-hit Manipur.
The around Rs 10-crore project is being developed by Sarhad, a Pune-based NGO known for its work in conflict-affected regions, at Gujar-Nimbalkarwadi in Katraj.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Force Motors Chairman Dr Abhay Firodia, who presided over the event, along with senior journalists from Manipur — Brozendra Ningomba, K Sarojkumar Sharma and Keisham Yaiphaba.
The initiative also honours Rani Gaidinliu, the iconic freedom fighter from the Zeliangrong community of Manipur, helping bring wider recognition to her legacy in western India.
For more than three years, ethnic violence has devastated Manipur, claiming over 250 lives and displacing around 70,000 people, even as the government and civil society continue efforts to restore peace.
Addressing the gathering, Dikho lauded Sarhad founder-president Sanjay Nahar for taking up what he described as a meaningful and visionary initiative for the welfare of students from the conflict-affected Northeast.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the three senior journalists from Manipur, describing them as instrumental in making the project possible.
“The project is much more than just a building. It represents our shared commitment to supporting the youth from every part of the country. The North Eastern region is a vital part of India’s heritage, blessed with rich traditions, immense talent and immense potential that contributes to the nation’s progress,” Dikho said.
He said that as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, every young person, irrespective of where they come from, should have equal access to quality education and opportunities.
Describing the proposed Bhavan as a “home away from home” for students from the Northeast, Dikho said it would provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment to support their education, personal growth and long-term success. He added that it would serve as a permanent sanctuary, especially for students from Manipur pursuing higher education in Pune.
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised Sarhad’s work in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir through education and community development initiatives that promote national integration, unity and peace.
He thanked the Firodia family for its generous support for the project and expressed hope that its philanthropic legacy would continue for generations. He assured that the Manipur government would continue supporting initiatives aimed at empowering young people and expanding educational opportunities for students from the Northeast.
Speaking at the event, Dr Abhay Firodia said that although the ceremony was modest, the project would have a far-reaching impact in the years ahead.
Emphasising the importance of national integration, he said strengthening connections among people from different parts of India is essential for building a stronger nation. He observed that attempts by certain foreign elements to alienate the people of the Northeast from the rest of the country had failed.
Referring to the strategic importance of the 20-km-wide Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, Dr Firodia said strengthening emotional and cultural ties between the Northeast and the rest of India is equally important.
He expressed confidence that the hostel would serve as a bridge connecting the people of the Northeast, particularly Manipur, with the rest of the country by providing a safe environment for students while promoting cultural exchange, national unity and a sense of belonging.
Sanjay Nahar said the hostel is expected to be completed within one and a half years and would play a significant role in fostering harmony and understanding among the different communities of Manipur.
He said students from diverse backgrounds and communities would live, study and interact together under one roof.
“Such an environment would promote mutual respect, friendship and trust, sending a strong message of peace, unity and national integration,” he said.
Nahar expressed confidence that the Bhavan would become a symbol of hope and togetherness, strengthening bonds not only among the people of Manipur but also between the Northeast and the rest of India.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to promote educational opportunities, national integration and the welfare of students from the Northeastern states through the landmark initiative.
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