A memorial lecture in honour of Md. Alimuddin, Manipur’s first Chief Minister after statehood, was held on Sunday at Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi Maning under the aegis of the Alimuddin Memorial Foundation.
The programme brought together political leaders, scholars, and community members to reflect on Alimuddin’s leadership, political ethics, and enduring relevance at a time when Manipur faces deep social and political challenges.
The event was presided over by Abdul Hashim, Chief Adviser of the Foundation. Former UNLF Chairman R. K. Meghen attended as a special guest. Guests of honour included Md. Alauddin, former Minister and eldest son of the late Alimuddin; R. K. Nimai, retired IAS officer and columnist; and Moulana Muheiyuddin Manjiri, President of UMPC and Adviser to the Foundation.
‘A Leader Who Still Sets the Standard’
Delivering the memorial lecture as Chief Guest, veteran politician and former Minister Okram Joy said that even decades after his tenure, Md. Alimuddin remains a benchmark for principled leadership in Manipur.
“If one searches honestly for a leader who truly deserved to be Chief Minister through integrity and merit, Alimuddin stands out even today,” Joy said.
He recalled that after Manipur attained full statehood in 1972, Alimuddin—then the elected representative from the Lilong Assembly Constituency—became the state’s first Chief Minister. According to Joy, Alimuddin assumed office with a clear vision to build institutions, strengthen governance, and safeguard Manipur’s democratic identity.
Politics Then and Now
Drawing a contrast between past and present political cultures, Joy said the values that guided Alimuddin’s leadership—discipline, patience, respect for institutions, and commitment to democratic processes—appear increasingly rare today.
“Today’s politics is often driven by violence, narrow interests, and personal gain. During Alimuddin’s time, the rule of law was respected and disagreements were resolved within democratic frameworks,” he observed.
Joy described Alimuddin not merely as a political leader but as a “political warrior” who worked tirelessly for the unity and development of Manipur, ensuring that the state’s voice was raised on democratic platforms while preserving its distinct identity within the Indian Union.
Legacy in the Present Crisis
Reflecting on Manipur’s current situation, Joy said leaders with Alimuddin’s courage, integrity, and long-term vision are urgently needed. He emphasised the importance of nurturing new ideas and collective thinking rooted in democratic values to rebuild trust and institutions.
As part of the programme, the Chief Guest inaugurated a record exhibition showcasing archival material on Md. Alimuddin’s life, political journey, and public service.
Scholarly Perspectives
The memorial lecture also featured academic presentations by Naorem Sanatomba, Assistant Professor, Department of Manipuri, Manipur University, and Syed Ahmed, Associate Professor, Dhanamanjuri University.
Their papers examined Alimuddin’s political ideology, leadership style, and contributions to Manipur’s democratic and institutional foundations, situating his legacy within both historical and contemporary contexts.