Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the 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 Northeastern states pursuing higher education in the city.
The hostel, estimated to cost around Rs 10 crore, is being constructed by Pune-based non-governmental organisation Sarhad, which is known for its work in education, national integration and community development.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by Force Motors Chairman Abhay Firodia, Sarhad founder-president Sanjay Nahar, senior journalists from Manipur and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Dikho said the hostel represented more than just a physical structure and reflected a collective commitment to supporting young people from the Northeast, especially those affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Describing the proposed Bhavan as a “home away from home,” he said it would offer a safe, secure and supportive environment where students could pursue higher education while focusing on their academic and personal development.
“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,” Dikho said.
He appreciated Sarhad founder-president Sanjay Nahar for taking the initiative to establish the hostel and thanked the Firodia family for extending financial support to the project through their philanthropic efforts.
Speaking at the event, Force Motors Chairman Abhay Firodia stressed the importance of strengthening emotional and cultural ties between the Northeastern states and the rest of the country. He said such initiatives would help promote national integration while providing students with opportunities to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Firodia expressed confidence that the hostel would serve as a bridge connecting students from the Northeast with the rest of India, encouraging cultural exchange, mutual understanding and a sense of belonging.
Sanjay Nahar said the hostel is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half years. He said the facility would bring together students from different communities under one roof, creating an environment that promotes harmony, friendship and mutual respect.
The hostel has been named after Rani Gaidinliu, the legendary freedom fighter from Manipur’s Zeliangrong community, in recognition of her contribution to India’s freedom movement and her enduring legacy.
The programme concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students from the Northeast and strengthening national integration through initiatives that promote inclusion, learning and cultural understanding.
