A tribute to (L) Dr Leisangthem Chandramani Singh

Prof Hijam Rajendra Singh *

(L) Dr L Chandramani Singh :: Pix - IT News

"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the detail of how he lived and how he died that distinguishes one man from another."
Ernest Hemingway

It is learnt that former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Leisangthem Chandramani Singh had passed away at 11:45 p.m , 5th April 2020 at Raj Medicity, Imphal and all over there is a feeling of having been left desolate and forlone.

As we say goodbye to Dr. L. Chandramani, s/o (L) L. Gulap Singh and L. Shajoubi Devi, a devoted mother who brought up his son with utmost care and gentle love, the people will long remember their son as a champion for those who had none, the soul of the Democratic Party, a man whose name graces many landmark contribution to the society and who penned some of the beautiful works on literature.

Dr. Leisangthem Chandramani was born on 13th Aug, 1934.

All throughout his life he had a good academic record. He passed matriculation with high marks and graduated from D.M College under Gauhati University and passed M.A in 1962, LLb in 1963 and did his research work at G.U and was awarded Ph.d degree in 1968.

Some of his significant academic and social activities include the following:

o Founder General Secretary of Western Student Union.
o General Secretary Pan Manipur Youth League 1970.
o President of the Gauhati Manipur Student Association for two terms.
o Active Member of All Indian Historical Institute, Calcutta, Assam Historical Society, Guahati.
o Represented Gauhati University in the Indian Oriental Conference, National Archives of India and Indo German Peace conference.
o Founder President of San, Patsoi Kendra.

He joined active politics in 1972 and become the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly for two terms and also served as Cabinet Minister holding Agriculture, IFCD and Deputy Chief Minister of the state for two terms.

In his long journey of politics, he joined
1. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC)
2. Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP)
3. Federal Party of Manipur (FPM)
4. And lastly Manipur People's Party

I was associated with Dr. L Chandramani and address him as "Mamo" since my boyhood days at Gauhati University way back in 1965 at AT Hall.

Mamo has always shown his affection and also brought me to Gauhati University. I was associated with him starting right from my early days (class VIII)to his last days and also took some of the major roles in the formation of local self government in Manipur.

In my humble view, he fulfils all the quality of a true leader. He was a man of reason, of wisdom well supported by the revolutionary power of Bena Russell and defended our people with his in-depth knowledge and expertise.

In fact, he was one of the finest architects of our society, a brilliant orator and a writer. To his literary credit he has also authored the books titled
'History of Manipur',
'The Boundaries of Manipur',
'Athouba Shinggi Ningshing Numit'.

I am aggrieved to learn about the sad demise of the veteran leader of our state who had guided me for all this times.

My deepest condolences and profoundest sympathy is extended to all the family members especially to Enambemma Dr. Lilabati Devi and her daughter Dr. Julia.

Mamo, as you leave for the heavenly above, you will always be remembered for your distinguished personality, your good deeds and the beautiful memories.

You have left behind a legacy and a vacuum in our heart which can never be mended.

May God bless you and rest in eternal peace.