In loving memory of Dr M Kirti Singh

Asha Gupta
With profound grief, an irreparable sense of loss and an unfillable void in my life, I mourn the passing of my beloved husband, Dr M Kirti Singh, whose life was devoted to knowledge, culture, and service to society. He passed away at Apollo Hospital, Kolkata on 26th December, 2025.
Dr Kirti Singh was not only a distinguished scholar, eminent educationist, and distinguished Indologist, but also a compassionate human being who lived with humility, discipline, and quiet strength. He was a man of integrity, and deep moral conviction—one who lived his values both in public responsibility and in private life.
Born in a poor but cultured family of Kongba Uchekon of Imphal East District, Manipur on 1st February 1943, to Moirang-them Borajao Singh a holy text orator and Smt Amudombi Devi, a hard working, pious and loving woman, child Kirti was the only son and the last child in the family. Mother had great impact on his life and character. Those were the days of hardship. Mother worked on loom, extracted sugarcane juice called Chuhi a local delicacy and sold it in order to supplement father’s income and to meet expenses of the family and education. Being youngest, he was loved and pampered by all four sisters. He was initiated to formal education when he was five on a very auspicious Kalen Tritiya day as per traditional norms. He loved to play Mukna, a traditional wrestling but had to give up after he got serious injury and was bed-ridden for almost 3 months.
Educated at Wangkhei School and later at Johnstone School, often there was no money to pay for school fees and mother had to earn extra by sitting more on loom to produce clothes and meet the expenses. Once he became recipient of a scholarship, the problem was solved to some extent.
He used to travel long distance on foot for going to school as his father could not afford either bus fare or a bicycle for his only son. Child Kirti was naughty too, when closed eyes for Sun-worship, grandson used to drink water offered to the sun God, when grandmother detected it and asked him, the answer was that the offering must be accepted by God, when beaten with stick, he would accept his mischief and asked for a pardon too.
He enjoyed cooked fish and in his childhood would not move a single inch if he accompanied mother or grandmother to market till fish was purchased. While studying at Gauhati University, he was known among teachers and colleagues for his oratory. Once he was asked to speak for 5 minutes on a certain topic, which he did but the speech was so fast that it was difficult to grasp. When asked by his teacher why he was fast in speaking, he said that as he prepared the speech for 10 minutes, but provided only 5 minutes, hence to accommodate, he increased his speed.
His distinguished degrees ranged from BA (Hons.), MA (Philosophy), LLB, PhD, D Litt. Jyotish Ratna-1978, Gaveshna Acharya-1989. An academician of long standing and calibre, over the years, rendered yeomen services as SG lecturer/Reader/Head of Philosophy Department/ Principal of DM College, a premier educational institution and reached profe- ssional height as Director of University Education, Government of Manipur.
An accomplished academic, and passionate Indologist, Dr Kirti Singh after earning his PhD and D Litt., devoted decades to research, writing, and teaching, endeavoured throughout his life to the study and interpretation of Medieval Manipuri Literature and Culture. His writings and scholarship bridged classical Indian thought with the unique cultural heritage of Manipur, enriching both regional and national intellectual traditions.
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 by the Government of India, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and social work, an acknowledgement of a lifetime dedicated to learning and intellectual service. He was an elected Fellow of the Asiatic Society, Kolkata (2006-eminence in cultural works), the Asiatic Society of Ireland and Great Britain (2015), and the Kuppuswamy Shashtri Research Institute (2015, contribution to Indian culture and heritage), recognitions that reflected the international respect he earned for his scholarship. His writings circulated in American, African, European, and Southeast Asian countries, underscoring his international influence in Meiteilogy and cultural studies. Dr M Kirti was the recipient of the prestigious Indira Gandhi Gold Plaque, 2013-for Inter-cultural co-operation towards human progress (Asiatic Society, Kolkata) in a function at the hands of the Governor of West Bengal. Received BR Ambedkar International Award, 2013.
He was Member expert Advisory Committee on Himalayan Heritage HRD Ministry, Government of India (1997-99).
Some high-profile positions in various professional bodies included viz Sympo-siast (1994, 2003), Sectional President, Philosophy of Religion-Indian Philosophical Congress, (Necessity of Religion in the 21st Century-Issues and Challenges, 2004), Speech on Sanskri-tisation of Myanmar, Asia- tic Society (1995 with Prof Ramranjan Mukherjee in the Chair); Key note Speaker, International Conference on Geet Govinda( 2004)Asiatic Society, Endowment Speaker, Indian Philosophical Congress : Humanism in Indian Thought (2008), Sectional President, South-East Asian Studies, All India Oriental Conference (Observations on Indian Cultural Impacts in South-East Asian countries, 2014); Sectional Committee Member Anthropology and Archaeo- logy Section (1991, Indore) Indian Science Congress Association, Chairman (Academic session) Rajyer Baire Chaitanya Charcha, International Seminar on Shri Chaitanya, Asiatic Society, Kolkata(2013).
Recipient of Manipur State Archive recognition -Record Donor for keeping records, 2008, Elected Fellow- Manipur State Kala Akademy, 2008 for e inence in Manipuri culture, Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy Award, 2009 for literal, social and cultural services to downtrodden, Gaveshna Bhushan, Mani-pur Sahitya Parishad, 2010, Manipur State Assembly Honour as distinguished writer for Legis news , Appreciation by Lanquage and Planning Cell, Govt of Manipur, 2021, Writer of the Year 2022- Naharol Sahitya Premi Samiti, Manipur, Cultural Harmony Award-Cultural forum, Manipur 2022 As said noted scholar Pabung Kalachand Shastri, Honour is more honourable than Honourable himself.
Dr Kirti was honoured with several other recognitions for his contributions to education, literature, culture, and social harmony like Man of the Year (ABI, USA)-1997, Bharat Excellence Award (1998), 20th Century Diploma in Culture(IBC-Cambridge, England, 1998), The Rising Personalities Award (1999), Secular India Harmony Award, 1999-2000, for promotion of communal harmony, Man of Achievement (1999), Glory of India (2000), Secular India Harmony award (2002), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose National award for Excellence (2002), Aryabhatt Award in Astrology at the 10th Academic Conf by Int Institute of Astrology and Indian Culture (2002), Life Time Achievement Award (2003), Gold Star Medal-Astrology (2003), Best Citizen’s award (2006), Fellow of Bhartiya Dalita Sahitya Academy, Delhi, Fellow of International Biographical Research Founda- tion, Nagpur, Fellow of United Writer’s Association, Chennai, Bharat Ratna Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal (2021, Tiru-vannamalai).
He authored forty books, along with numerous scholarly works, reflecting not only an academic pursuit but a lifelong spiritual and cultural commitment. His writings were rooted in the love for Manipur’s heritage and a deep belief in the power of education to uplift society. Numerous scholarly works,research papers and essays, continue to serve as foundational references for students, researchers, and scholars of Indology, history, literature, and culture, authoritative enough to attract notice of Indologists and Social Scientists.
Notable publications include Aspects of Auro- bindo’s Thoughts (1979), History of Journalism in Manipur vol I & II (1980 and 2017), Religious development in Manipur in the 18th and 19th Centuries (Ist edition,1980 with Foreward by Ex-Vice Chancellor, Rabindra Bharati University Prof Roma Choudhury) Religion and Culture of Manipur 1988, Folk Culture of Manipur 1993, Philosophical Import of Gåndhism, 1996, Recent researches in Oriental and Indological studies 1998, Philosophy of Organism-a comparative study of AN Whitehead 2007, Philosophy and Religion 2007, Editor of Manipuri Holy Text (Puyas) viz Apok Shatlamlel (Holy Text recovered from the descen- dants of Manipuri Brahmans settled in Myanmar since 1819), Pudilgi Aroiba Sharuk (2002), Leichinlol (a Manipuri Text on the Science of seeing the clouds, 2003) Sambandha Nirnay (Wayel Lairik 2004), etc. Some of his earlier works were Collected Essays in Philosophy and Religion Vol.I,1966,  Thougalon, Wabalaison, Manipuri Samaj hougatlakpa-revised Edition). He also published in the various regional academic outlets.
Some notable articles and Book chapters included in volumes like Indian Family (Publ of Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal, Editor-KK Cha-kraverty, 1994-Changing Trends in Manipuri Family-A critical analysis), Manipur Past and Present Vol 2 and 4 Delhi, (The Manipuris in Myanmar and Archaeology of the Chakpas (Lois) Scheduled Caste in Manipur), Vaishnavism in Manipur, The Golden Heritage of Manipur (ED BS Sharma, Discernible Impact of Buddhism and Vaishnavism in Manipur Culture, 2005), Astrology and Astronomy : An unbroken Tradition of Manipur Culture (Sandhan, 2010, Centre for Studies in Civilizations) Aspect of Manipuri Dance, The Manipuris : Their Aesthetic Life (with Special Reference to Textiles), Philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Prof Satyaranjan Banerjee Felicitation Volume Indological Essays-School of Vedic Studies, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata (Relevance of Vedic knowledge in Contemporary Manipuri Society), Contributor and editorial board member of noted felicitation volume of Kolkata Sanskrit Parishad.
Some writings worth mentioning are Development of Calendrical and Panjika Sciences in Ma-nipur, Astrological Maga- zine, Bangalore (1985), A synoptic view of Lord Mahavir’s Philosophy (1975), The Holy Symbols of the Meiteis(1994),Traditional method of paper making and conservation technique in Manipur (2005), Biodiversity in Meitei Puyas (2005), The cult of trees in Manipuri Belief(2005), Three Living Religions of North East Jadavpur Univ J(2007). Many significant works were reviewed by Dr Kirti Singh, the pivotal among his reviewed works was the one for the Monograph on Pandit Atombapu Sharma hailed as a rishi of Manipur and a renowned Sanskrit scholar published by Sahitya Academy, N Delhi in 1998 by Prof E Nilakanta Singh, a key figure in Manipuri literature who was mentioned often to me as his own Guru with great reverence.
Speaker of Aurobindo Society, Imphal, 1972 to 2000, Promotion of Library Movement in Manipur-Lectures in different years (since 2009 including Sarangthem Mangi Memorial Lecture, 2013) , Associated with various Universities in different capacities and as resource person in his chosen fields, Invited to Harvard University, USA for Atharva Veda Conference and International Congress on Anthro- pological and Ethnological Sciences Mexico, 1993. Associated with organisations as Honorary member of Visudhha Sidhantapanjika, Kolkata, Manipur Peace Centre,and Kasturba Gandhi Centre (Manipur Chapter), Expert member of Gandhian Study Centre,Exe member Himalayan Seva Sangha, Lohia Memorial Advisory Committee etc.Life member of the Association of Indian Archivists.
Promoted and Conducted research in Indology, Vaish-navism in Manipur and NE, Medieval Manipuri Literature and Culture, Philo- sophy and Religion, Customary laws and Journalism Sarvodaya , Gandhism and Social Anthropology,Social Justice and National Integration.He was known as an expertise on Manipur in the context of SE Asian Region on culture.
He represented Manipur in international conferences since 1962, and addressed academic forums in Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
His works reflect deep erudition, originality, and a lifelong commitment to preserving and interpreting the civilizational heritage of Manipur within the broader framework of Indian culture. He was inspired by the books on the Vedas, School of Indian Philosophy, Manipuri freedom struggle and holy books, uncompromising on the issue of preserving the civilization and culture of the Manipuris. A peace loving person and promoter of integration with India’s message of Ahimsa and humanism.Invited talker to so many highlights of Manipur like Indology, Vaishnavism, elements of Tantrism, tradition of Philosophical writing in Manipur, Astrological system of Manipur in the National and International fora.
Many of his books are prescribed and recommended by Universities across North-East India, Central India, and Delhi. He influenced academia far beyond the classroom through popular talks, invited lectures, keynote addresses, academic workshops, and conferences in universities and literary organisations across India and abroad. From Asiatic Society forums to international conferences, his voice carried Manipur’s intellectual and cultural heritage with dignity and depth. A Massive of intellect, cogent in argument, convincing in explanation, he was an asset to Manipuri Society, he has contributed to the Manipur State in particular and India in general.
Beyond his academic brilliance, Dr Kirti Singh was admired for his integrity, humility, and unwa- vering dedication to education. He mentored genera- tions of students and scholars, inspiring them through his discipline, clarity of thought, and profound respect for knowledge, dedi- cated sincere services in uplifting marginalized groups, creating appreciable awareness and religious tolerance, uplifting from outdated superstitions, strived to infuse self- determination adhering to social obligations.
Felicitation volumes viz. Perspectives in Culture and Perspectives in Science produced in honour of Dr Kirti were presented to him on his 70th birthday by a committee of elites (2013-14), the titles of felicitation volumes reflected his philoso- phy of life and purpose.
Deeply involved in public affairs, instituted academic awards and gold medals, founded many cultural and scientific organi- zations such as Manipur Sahitya Samiti, Naharol Sahitya Sabha, Juvenile Learner’s club, LDM Centre, worked for the cause of education and culture ceaselessly.
His mission to absorb knowledge universally—from academias, experts, even young researchers, and diverse sources—reflected profound simplicity and openness. This aligns with the Vedic ideal of embracing wisdom without any boundaries: ‘Let noble thoughts come to us from all the Universe’ (Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah -Rig Veda). His motto was to work more and better with devotion in the chosen field of life.
At home, he was a gentle, principled, and deeply caring person. He lived a simple life, guided by values, sincerity, and devotion to work. He encouraged, inspired, and quietly supported those around him, always believing in the transformative power of education and culture. His presence was a source of strength, wisdom, and reassurance to our family and to all who knew him.
With his passing, Manipur has lost one of its most luminous intellectual figures, the academic world has lost a scholar whose contributions will endure for generations, and I have lost a companion whose wisdom, integrity, and dedication shaped every step of our journey together. Though his physical presence is gone, his words, his works, and his ideals will continue to illuminate our minds.
I remain deeply grateful to all who have stood with us through prayers, messages, and shared remembrance.
May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.

The writer, a resident of Kongba Uchekon, Imphal East is a PhD D Sc (Moscow), FAS, Retd Prof in Dept of Life Sciences, Manipur University