Imphal: Sixteen youths from Manipur left for Japan on Friday for skill training and employment under the state govt’s Livelihood Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative.CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh flagged off the group at his bungalow in Imphal. The candidates completed Japanese-language training at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy and secured jobs in Japan’s healthcare and hospitality sectors. They will be posted in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Okinawa and other parts of the country, the CM’s Secretariat said.Urging the candidates to remain connected to their roots while adapting to Japanese society and culture, Khemchand said, “Never forget your roots and always be proud to be a Manipuri.”He presented each candidate with a replica of the Pena, an indigenous musical instrument of Manipur.Drawing a comparison with Singapore, the CM said the country’s people remained proud of their identity despite its economic transformation. He urged Manipuris to similarly take pride in their identity.Khemchand encouraged the candidates to learn from Japan’s culture, traditions and development while maintaining their connection with Manipur.An MoU was also signed between the State Bank of India and SLEE to provide financial assistance to the candidates.Dhanapriya Tensubam, who secured a job at Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort in Okinawa, thanked the CM and said she would work professionally while remaining proud of her roots.
