Manipur University celebrated its 46th Foundation-cum-Commendation Day, honouring faculty achievements, patents, research excellence and institutional milestones.
Imphal, June 5: Manipur University on Friday celebrated its 46th Foundation-cum-Commendation Day at the University Court Hall, marking more than four decades of academic growth while honouring faculty members and staff for their achievements in research, innovation, teaching and public service.
The event brought together members of the university community, including faculty, administrative staff, students and retired employees, to reflect on the institution’s journey since its establishment and to recognise individuals who have contributed significantly to its development.
Founded on June 5, 1980 under the Manipur University Act, 1980, the institution began its academic journey with only ten postgraduate departments. Over the past 46 years, it has expanded into one of the leading centres of higher education in Northeast India. The university attained Central University status on October 13, 2005, a milestone that significantly broadened its academic and administrative responsibilities.
Today, Manipur University comprises nine Schools of Studies, 47 postgraduate and undergraduate departments, seven centres and ten cells. During the 2025–26 academic session, the university recorded a student strength of 6,453. It also oversees 129 affiliated colleges across the state and currently holds a NAAC B+ accreditation and a NIRF Rank Band of 101-150.
The Foundation-cum-Commendation Day programme was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam as Chief Guest, Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh as Guest of Honour and Dean of the School of Engineering Prof. N. Basanta Singh, who presided over the function.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam highlighted the collective efforts of the university’s teaching, administrative and support staff in ensuring academic progress and holistic student development despite various challenges faced by the institution over the years.
She said the achievements of Manipur University were the result of teamwork and commitment across departments and sections. Emphasising the importance of coordinated institutional functioning, she noted that every unit of the university has contributed to its growth and stability.
The Vice-Chancellor particularly appreciated the Examination Section for conducting examinations according to the academic calendar and ensuring that academic schedules remained on track. She also commended the Finance Section and Academic Section for their roles in maintaining the smooth functioning of university administration.
Prof. Phanjoubam further acknowledged the Heads of Departments for effectively implementing academic regulations and adapting to changing educational requirements. She urged the university community to continue working together to strengthen the institution’s academic standards, research output and overall reputation.
Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, speaking as Guest of Honour, congratulated the faculty members, non-teaching staff, students and administrators on the occasion. He observed that the university’s progress since its inception had been made possible through the combined efforts of its administration, teaching community and student body.
According to the Registrar, the growth of Manipur University reflects years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work by successive generations of stakeholders. He expressed confidence that the institution would continue to advance and achieve new milestones through sustained commitment and sincerity.
The keynote and welcome address was delivered by Prof. A. Rajmani Singha, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Reflecting on the university’s journey from 1980 to 2026, he outlined the institution’s achievements and evolving academic profile.
Prof. Rajmani stressed the importance of research, innovation, publications and patents in strengthening the standing of universities in an increasingly competitive higher education environment. While acknowledging the importance of accreditation and ranking systems such as NAAC and NIRF, he argued that the true measure of a university lies in the quality of knowledge it generates and the impact of its scholarly contributions.
He noted that meaningful research, innovation and academic excellence are essential not only for institutional recognition but also for addressing societal challenges and contributing to national development.
In his presidential address, Prof. N. Basanta Singh congratulated faculty members who had earned recognition through awards, fellowships, patents and research achievements during the year. He also paid tribute to retiring faculty members and non-teaching staff for their years of dedicated service to the institution.
The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Anisul Alam, Senior Assistant Registrar (Faculty).
A major highlight of the celebration was the release of a commemorative brochure prepared by the Office of the Public Relations Officer. The publication documents the university’s major milestones, academic achievements and institutional initiatives.
Among the accomplishments highlighted in the brochure was Manipur University’s early implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, beginning with the academic session 2021-22. The publication also detailed the university’s progress in implementing reforms aimed at improving academic flexibility and student mobility.
According to the brochure, approximately 80 percent of students have been enrolled under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework. It also records the successful implementation of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), a key component of higher education reforms under the NEP.
The document further highlights achievements by departments, faculty members and students, along with research initiatives, best practices and innovation-driven activities undertaken across the university.
The commendation segment of the programme recognised faculty members who received prestigious awards, honours, recognitions and fellowships at state, national and international levels during 2024-25.
Among those honoured was Dr. Rameshori Yumnam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, who received the Congress of Zoology Medal 2024 from the Zoological Society of India and the Young Scientist Gold Medal Award 2025 from the Indian Academy of Environmental Sciences.
Prof. Dr. Laishram Santosh Singh of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science was felicitated for receiving the Peace and Sports Award 2025 from the World Society for Peace, South Korea, and the International Imminence Award in Physical Education 2025 from the International Federation of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports Science Association.
Prof. Dr. Ksh. Lal Bihari Singha of the Department of Botany was recognised for being elected Fellow of the Environment and Social Development Association (ESDA India) and for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Earth Saviour Award 2024.
Recognition was also accorded to Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi of the Department of Dance and Music, who received the Manipur State Kala Akademi Young Talent Award and was recognised as a Top-Grade Artist in Manipuri Classical Dance by Prasar Bharati’s Doordarshan Kendra.
Dr. Salam Himika Devi from the Department of Zoology received recognition for the Excellence in Global Skill Training Award 2025, while Prof. Dr. Keithellakpam Sanatombi of the Department of Biotechnology was honoured for receiving the Women Leadership in STEM Award 2024 from Grand Challenges India under BIRAC.
The university also recognised faculty members whose patents were published or granted during 2024-25, reflecting growing emphasis on innovation and applied research.
Among those honoured were Prof. Dr. Lisam Shanjukumar Singh and Dr. Thangjam Davis Singh of the Department of Biotechnology for their patent related to an anticancer composition.
Prof. Dr. Ksh. Lal Bihari Singha received recognition for patents concerning an apparatus for producing vinegar and biochar from agricultural residues and a pyrolysis machine for bamboo and wood.
Other patent awardees included Prof. Dr. Laishram Santosh Singh for a neuromuscular monitoring and stimulating headband, Dr. T. Deepamanjuri Devi for a histological hard tissue bordering and sealing system, and Dr. Saikat Mukherjee for an apparatus related to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis.
The event also paid tribute to retired employees whose contributions helped shape the institution over the years. Three retired faculty members—Professor Soibam Imoba Singh of Linguistics, Dr. Th. Tangkeshwar Singh of Computer Science and Professor Koijam Shantibala Devi of Manipuri—were felicitated during the programme.
Additionally, twelve retired non-teaching staff members, including administrative personnel and support staff, were honoured for their dedicated service to the university.
As Manipur University completed 46 years of its existence, the Foundation-cum-Commendation Day celebration served both as a reflection on its institutional journey and as a reaffirmation of its commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and public service. The event concluded on a note of optimism, with university leaders expressing confidence in the institution’s ability to build upon its achievements and strengthen its role in higher education and knowledge creation in the years ahead.
