Md. Alimuddin remembered on the foundation day of JNU Centre

20th November 2014

Md. Alimuddin remembered on the foundation day of JNU Centre on Nov. 19, 2014 at MU

Md. Alimuddin, the first Chief Minister of Manipur after it attained statehood, was remembered on the 42nd foundation day of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Centre, which later developed into Manipur University (MU). Md. Alimuddin laid the foundation stone of the Centre on Nov. 19, 1972.

The foundation day was organized by The Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum (PPF), Manipur on Nov. 19, 2014 at the Centenary Hall of the university at Canchipur.

The function was attended by MLA Th. Shyam Kumar, Retd. Chief Engineer (IFCD) and President of PPF Azizul Haque Khan, Retd. IAS and Chief Advisor of PPF A.R. Khan, Former Minister Md. Alauddin, Registrar of MU N. Lokendro Singh, Former Speaker Dr. Maneruddin Sheikh, President of United Committee Manipur Y. Nabachandra Singh, President of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organization Dr. Y. Mani Singh, Advisor of PPF (Women Society Manipur) Sitara Begum and Advisor of LSPMU, Canchipur A.K. Aviram graced the function as Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.

The function was attended by large number of people from various parts of the State. Before the commencement of the programme, dignitaries and those who attended the function gathered to pay floral tribute at the foundation stone of the JNU Centre, which was laid by Md. Alimuddin.

Giving the key-note address, Secretary of PPF M.I. Khan said, “Md. Alimuddin was one of the leading politicians of the State who was known for his secular ideals, political acumen and farsightedness. He was not highly educated but he had immense knowledge and wisdom of running the State. He was the first Chief Minister of Manipur after it got statehood. During his tenure he instituted some of the important institutions, which included JNU Centre for Post Graduate, the first institute of higher education in the State and Regional Medical College, a premier health institute. JNU Centre later developed into Manipur University, which is now a central university, while Regional Medical College became the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).”

“However it is very unfortunate that both the institutions fail to recognise the contribution of Md. Alimuddin. We have been requesting the authorities of MU to observe the foundation day of the JNU Centre by giving befitting tribute to the departed leader. However, the university has not come up with any plan to observe the day. We are again requesting the authorities to observe the foundation day from next year. PPF had been observing the foundation day of JNU Centre since 2012. Our body had also requested the MU authorities to name a significant site or building within the MU campus after Md. Alimuddin. It is also not fulfilled,” Khan added.

Md. Alimuddin remembered on the foundation day of JNU Centre on Nov. 19, 2014 at MU

Delivering his speech, MLA Shyamkumar said, “Md. Alimuddin was a far-sighted leader. He had brought the centre of higher learning for the first time in the State here at Cachipur. The centre which is today upgraded into a Central University has over the years produced numerous scholars and is giving jobs to many. It is very unfortunate that the authorities of MU have failed to remember the man who brought the prestigious institute.”

MU Registrar N. Lokendra said, “MU passed through three stages. It developed from JNU Centre which was brought by Md. Alimuddin during his tenure as Chief Minister in 1972. It was a centre instituted under the guidance of the renowned Professor Parthasastry. It offered M.A. and M.Sc. courses. In 1980 the centre was developed into a State University after passing an Act in the State Assembly. In Nov. 2004 UPA Government announced to upgrade it into a central university. In Oct. 15, 2005 it was converted into a central university. Today the university has more than 30 departments. Under the 12th Finance Commission the university is planning to open faculties of Law, Fine Arts and Human Rights. The university has around 4000 students including research scholars. The institution has produced numerous research scholars and commendable research works.”

All the other speakers at the function also remembered Md. Alimuddin and the contributions he made for the State. The son and son-in-law of Md. Alimuddin, Md. Alauddin and Dr. Maneruddin Sheikh respectively spoke on the life and works of the leader.

Muslim candidates who cleared various competition exams conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission were felicitated at the function.

Md. Alimuddin was elected from the Lilong Assembly Constituency in the first Legislative Assembly election held in 1948, and became a member of the Council of Ministers taking charge of Jail and Medical departments. He was also elected in the subsequent Assembly/Electoral College/Council elections held in 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1974.

A government led by the regional party, Manipur People’s Party (MPP), was formed soon after Manipur attained state-hood in 1972. Md. Alimuddin, who was the leader of MPP, was made Chief Minister in March 1972. However, the government was short-lived. It was dissolved in March 1973. Mid-term election was held in 1974. MPP again managed to form the government with the support of other parties. Md. Alimuddin was again made the Chief Minister. This time the government lasted for just four months (March to July 1974).

Later, Md. Alimuddin became Speaker (Dec. 1974 to Sept. 1975) in the R.K. Dorendro’s government. He also served as Finance Minister (Jun. 1977 to Nov. 1979) in the Yangmaso Shaiza’s ministry.

During his tenure as Chief Minister of Manipur for just around 16 months, Md. Alimuddin laid the foundation of most of the premier institutes of the state. He inaugurated Manipur Medical College, at Lamphel in Imphal West District on May 22, 1972. In Sept. 14 that year the college was upgraded as Regional Medical College. The JNU Centre that he founded developed into a state university, then to a central university in 2005.

Md. Alimuddin inaugurated the Manipur Public Service Commission on Oct. 23, 1972 along with the then Governor of Manipur B.K. Nehru. He also instituted the Law Commission and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in 1972. He erected many dams and irrigation facilities and introduced double-cropping in the State.

Md. Alimuddin was born in 1920 at Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi, Lilong, in Thoubal District. He passed away on Feb. 3, 1983 at the age of 63.