The preciseness with which she selects her words and vocalises them reflects her meticulous nature and dedication to her work.

But then an eye for detail, a reasoning mind to shift the through the sands for the gem within and the steadfastness to see the work to completion no matter how hard it is - these are all necessary attributes for a woman like Dr Jamini Devi whose works and interests are so varied and successful.

Dr Jamini was born on 1st March 1936 as the second child of 13 children of Chongtham Benudhor Singh, who taught at Bengali High School, and RK Sanatombi a housewife, at Keishamthong Top Leirak.

The diversity of her interests and the spirit to excel was reflected from her childhood onwards - she was not only an avid sportsperson, she also managed to excel in her studies at all levels.

In 1956, she gave her matric exams under Gauhati University from Tamphasana Girls High School and passed in the 1st Division - a feat which was highly commendable given the fact that not many people could manage 1st Class marks at that time.

After passing her Intermediate from Gauhati University in 1957, she went on to obtain her certificate in Physical Education from Patna University in 1958.

In the same year she joined as a teacher of physical education and sports DM College, Imphal - a post which she served till 1964. In 1962, she married Dr P Raikumar Singh, himself a well-known educationist of the State.

However, a job and marriage was no deterrent for a knowledge seeker like Jamini. In 1961-63, she obtained her BA and BT degree from Gauhati university and Masters degree in education from Allaha-bad University in 1964.

She also has a diploma in Journalism from the British Institute, Bombay in 1980.

She completed her Ph.D in 1980 from Gauhati University specialising in Physical Education and Guidance Services on the topic 'Physical Education and its influence in the adjustment of adolescent girls in the Secondary School of Manipur'.

In 1965 she joined as lecturer in Education at GP College, where she taught for over three decades before leaving in 1996 as Reader. She went on to serve as the Principal of DM College of Commerce in 1997-1998 before retiring from active service.

Dr Jamini is associated with many academic, as well as socio-cultural and religious organisations. She has served as the chairman of the Juvenile Welfare Board (1990-93), Writers' Forum (1999-2001) and the Committee for Sexual Harassment of Women in the Offices, Manipur (2001).

She is also a member of the Legal Aid and Advisory Committee since 1990, besides being a member of the Planning Board, the Board of Undergraduate Studies and the Senate of the Manipur University.

Other committees and bodies she has been associated with are the

• Pollution Control Board,
• Excise Advisory Board,
• State Text Book Committee,
• Nehru Yuva Kendra, New Delhi,
• Shati Council for Women's Education Manipur,
• Sports Council Manipur,
• All India Teachers Association, New Delhi,
• Regional Advisory Committee of the Sports Authority of India (North East),
• Manipur State Legal Services Authority,
• Advisory Committee NCC, New Delhi,
• Manipur Language Advisory Panel NBT,
• Manipur Peace Committee (For communal harmony and territorial integrity),
• Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre Kolkata,
• Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan Manipur and
• Sri Aurobindo Society Manipur

• Combing Operation (1996) and
• Loinaidraba Wari (1999)

• Swargagi Leibaktuda (1994),
• Korouhanbana Ironnungdagi Khongdoirakpa Lamdamduda (1998)
• Kohinoorgi Masaigonda (2000), and
• Americagi Khongchatta (2001)

• Khomjinba Wareng (1973),
• Physical Education for Women (1975),
• Ei Amasung Samajgi Yaiphaba (1978),
• Nupigi Yakairol (1997),
• Khuroi Haora Lamlangtong (Lamangdong -Bishenpur) (2004), and
• Shija Laioiba Amasung Maha Raas (2005)

• Gangagi Matambakta (2005).