Condolence Meeting for Ningthoukhongjam Debendra Singh
- Date: March 30, 2026 :: Manipur Historical Society -

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Ningthoukhongjam Debendra Singh

The Manipur Historical Society, Imphal has condoled the demise of its former member Ningthoukhongjam Debendra Singh from Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai, Imphal West, on 26th March 2026.

A condolence meeting in honour of Debendra Singh was held at the head-office of the Society at Kwakeithel on March 30, 2026. One-minute silence was observed by the members as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The President of Manipur Historical Society, Prof. Naorem Joykumar Singh delivered a short speech on the contribution of Pandit Khelchandra and his son to history-writing and the Society. Former Principal of Standard College, Dr. L. Basanti Devi, the daughter-in-law of Pandit Khelchandra, recollected the life and works of Debendra Singh.

Debendra Singh was the son of eminent scholar, Pandit Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra, Padma Shree Awardee. Born on 17th September 1951, he completed BA from D.M. College and MA from JNU PG Centre, Canchipur, majoring in History. He got PhD Degree from Manipur University on the topic, Socio-Cultural History of Manipur in 1993. He acquired diploma in Archive Keeping from National Archive, New Delhi.

Debendra Singh worked as Research Fellow at Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University, and completed four project works listed below:

1. Evolution of Manipuri Script – Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University (1990)
2. The Calendrical Rites and Rituals of the Meiteis – Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (1999)
3. Identities of the Migrate People in Manipur – Centre for Manipur Studies (2005)
4. Bibliography of Old Manipuri Manuscript – Centre for Manipur Studies (2006)

Debendra Singh also published few books, including:

1. Chengleirol (English Translation (1996)
2. Sanglon: Sang Panabagi Masil amadi Phamlon (2016)
3. Pandit N. Khelchandra Singh gi Chephongsingdagi Khomjanba Warengsing (2023)

Debendra Singh was also a custodian of the rare archival documents and manuscripts collected by his father. He was also a long-time member of Manipur Historical Society.

It may be mentioned that Pandit Khelchandra was the founding President of the Society. It was formed on 27th September 1978 with Prof. Gangmumei Kamei as General Secretary, R.K. Sanahal as Vice President, Md. Riyazuddin Choudhury as Treasurer with an aim to promote a scientific approach in history writing in Manipur.

The Society has published several Proceedings since its formation which carry the history, society and culture of Manipur.

Debendra Singh is survived by his wife Loitongbam Ningol Ningthoukhongjam (O) Sorojini Devi, two sons and two daughters. In his death, the Manipur Historical Society has lost a valuable member, who has left an indelible mark in the journey of the Society.

Message released by:
Dr. Syed Ahmed
General Secretary
Manipur Historical Society, Imphal