Strengthening the Emotional Bond

New Delhi: Noted social activists of Manipur, Capt (retd) Shri Ashok Tipnis and his wife Smt Angam Tipnis, who are working tirelessly on local and social issues through their organisation ‘Volunteers for Village Development’, were jointly felicitated with the prestigious Karmayogi Award-2018 by ‘My Home India’ on December 22.

Union Minister of Defence Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura Shri Jishnu Debbarma and former Captain of Indian Football Team Shri Bhaichung Bhutia were also present on the occasion. The award consists of a citation, memento and cheque of Rs one lakh. This is for the first time the Award has been presented jointly, since its inception in 2013.

Introducing the work done by Smt Angam and Shri Ashok Tipnis, founder of ‘My Home India’ Shri Sunil Deodhar said they started work in a very sensitive and difficult environment of Manipur. “When they started the work terrorism was on the rise in the state. But they showed great resolve and strength to bring the people together for peace and harmony in the society. We salute their courage and work,” he said adding that the objective of ‘My Home India’ is to strengthen emotional integration of the country with the people of the north east. He said his organisation felicitates people from the North East with the Karmayogi Award. A high-level jury of experts selects the most outstanding persons working for the promotion of art and culture, sports, education, etc., in north east India.

Former Captain of the Indian Football Team Shri Baichung Bhutia said both Shri Ashok Tipnis and Smt Angam Tipnis have dedicated their lives for the people of Manipur. They have worked for national integration of India and their work is remarkable. We are Indians and we are going to stay together. We are going to make our country proud. He also appreciated the work of My Home India and said it has helped thousands of students from North East India to settle in Delhi.

Receiving the Award Shri Ashok Tipnis said: “I express my deep sense of appreciation for this joint award. My wife has supported me in all my decisions. While she suffered the most, yet she gave me the strength to continue my work. I thank ‘My Home India’ for honouring me and my wife with the Karmayogi Award. I acknowledge that this award is a very significant award in my life.”

Shri Ashok Y. Tipnis along with his wife Smt Angam Tipnis started ‘Volunteers for Village Development’ (VVD) in Manipur. They started mobilising resources and studied the condition of local people there. One of their observations was that the Naga community was well organised and had a functional village authority and a Panchayat. Every village had a church which was a symbol of unity among the people. Taking inspiration from the local people, they decided to promote the initiatives of local people to help them in their own development.