16/12/2025
Victory for Resilience: Manipur International University Honored as ‘Best University of Manipur’ at Grand Vijay Diwas Celebrations in New Delhi.
Prof. Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka, Chancellor, MIU with Prof. Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman – NAAC, NBA, and NETF & former Chairman AICTE (on the right) along with Prof. Dr. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman – AICTE (on the left)
New Delhi / Imphal — December 16, 2025 — Manipur International University (MIU) shines on the national stage, receiving the prestigious ‘Pride of Nation Award 2025’ amidst a gathering of national leaders and defense icons.
In a historic moment resonating with regional pride and academic excellence, the university was conferred the title of “Best University of Manipur” during the poignant Vijay Diwas celebrations held at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event, organized by Veterans India - an organization led by patriotic ex-servicemen; recognized institutions that have transcended traditional academics to foster patriotism, leadership, and national unity.
A Recognition of National Importance
This was not merely an academic convocation; it was a celebration of the spirit of India. The event was supported, endorsed, and held in collaboration with the apex bodies of Indian education: AIU, AICTE, NAAC, NBA, NETF, and EPSI.
Receiving the award on behalf of the university was Prof. Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka, Chancellor of MIU. Standing amidst decorated war veterans and national policymakers, Dr. Pallathadka dedicated the award to the resilient spirit of the people of Manipur.
A Torchbearer for Manipur
In a selection process that scrutinized over 1,000 universities across India, MIU emerged victorious as the standard-bearer for the state of Manipur.
The selection was ratified by a high-powered 5-member jury headed by the Former Justice of the Kerala High Court, Shri P. N. Raveendran. The jury looked beyond textbooks, evaluating institutions on parameters of "Nation Building," "Youth Empowerment," "Community Service," and "Value-Based Education."
A Gathering of Titans
The award ceremony was witnessed by a galaxy of dignitaries who shape the defense and educational landscape of India, including:
Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence, Govt. of India.
Prof. Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman – NAAC, NBA, and NETF (Patron, Veterans India).
Prof. Dr. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman – AICTE.
Shri Ram Lal, Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh.
Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President – AIU.
Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman – EPSI.
Justice P. N. Raveendran, Former Justice, High Court of Kerala.
Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Pareek, Dean NIFTEM and National Coordinator, Veterans India.
Beyond Academics: The Soul of Education
"Education without values is merely information," stated the organizers. The Pride of Nation Awards honored only 14 universities for National Excellence and 24 as Best University of their respective states. MIU’s selection highlights its unique positioning as an institution that blends modern research with deep-rooted national values.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka dedicated the honour to the state:
"This award belongs not to me, but to the resilient youth and faculty of Manipur who have kept the flame of education burning against all odds. To be recognized on this national platform is a message to the rest of India: Manipur is rising. We are not just building careers; we are building characters capable of strengthening our nation. This is a victory for peace through education."
About Manipur International University (MIU)
Manipur International University (MIU) is an Autonomous State Statutory International University, established by the Government of Manipur under the Manipur International University Act, 2018 (Act No. 2 of 2019). It is officially recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a State Private University under Sections 2(f) and 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. With prestigious state-conferred titles such as "International University of Excellence," "Institution of State Importance," and "State Research Institute," MIU stands as the state's first fully autonomous university and a pioneering research-oriented institution aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
