Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Monday stressed the importance of education in rebuilding a society affected by prolonged conflict, urging young competitive examination aspirants to pursue their ambitions with determination, become self-reliant and use their knowledge and abilities for the welfare of society.
She was speaking at the fifth Foundation Day celebration of GUNCHU – An Institute for Competitive Examinations – held at the ADC Sadar Hills Multipurpose Hall in Kangpokpi district, where she attended as the chief guest.
Pastor Seiminlen Chongloi attended the programme as the guest of honour, while representatives of several civil society organisations, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Tribal Council (KTC), Kuki Youth Union (KYU), Zillai, Thadou Arts and Cultural Association (TAYA) and Kuki Artists’ Association (KYA), were present as special guests.
Addressing hundreds of young aspirants, Kipgen shared her personal experiences and encouraged students to remain focused on their goals and face challenges with confidence, discipline and perseverance. She also appreciated GUNCHU founder and proprietor Thangboi Haokip and his team for their efforts to create educational opportunities and support young talent.
The Deputy Chief Minister said education should not be viewed only as a means of securing personal or professional success but should also be used to contribute to the larger interests of society. She described education as an important instrument of social transformation that could restore hope and help rebuild a society based on understanding, compassion and mutual respect.
Kipgen also highlighted the importance of self-reliance, humility, discipline and moral values in shaping responsible individuals. Referring to the biblical saying, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, she underlined the role of faith and ethical conduct in personal development.
Speaking about the institute’s journey, GUNCHU founder Thangboi Haokip said it was established on November 1, 2021, in Imphal after recognising the need for a dedicated coaching centre for competitive examinations in Manipur.
Following the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state in 2023, the institute shifted its operations to Kanggui, the district headquarters of Kangpokpi.
Haokip said GUNCHU was established with the objective of equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to clear competitive examinations and recruitment processes. Its programmes cover preparation for written examinations, personality assessments and interviews.
The institute focuses on strengthening students’ foundational aptitude, improving general knowledge and developing problem-solving abilities through structured coaching and simplified teaching methods.
“Our team comprises qualified and experienced educators who employ simplified teaching methodologies, conceptual shortcuts and time-saving techniques to help aspirants solve questions efficiently and confidently under examination conditions,” Haokip said.
He added that the institute was committed to providing quality coaching at affordable fees so that financial difficulties would not prevent deserving candidates from pursuing their academic and professional goals.
According to Haokip, GUNCHU has helped nearly 300 candidates secure positions in different sectors since relocating to Kangpokpi. These include banking, uniformed services, civil services, the armed forces and the Agniveer recruitment scheme, among other fields.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills, appreciated the institute for its contribution to educational empowerment and career development among young people in Kangpokpi district.
In a message issued on the occasion, the organisation said GUNCHU had emerged as an important source of educational support amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur since 2023. It noted that the disruption caused by the violence had forced many young aspirants to look for competitive examination coaching and educational opportunities outside the state.
The KSO also commended Haokip and his team for continuing to mentor students and support their educational pursuits despite the difficult circumstances.
Describing GUNCHU as an important platform for educational empowerment and collective progress, the organisation urged the institute’s management to continue its efforts to make quality coaching accessible to more students.
The foundation day programme highlighted the role of educational institutions in supporting young people and creating opportunities for career development at a time when communities in Manipur continue to face the social and economic consequences of prolonged conflict.
