Imphal, May 02: The birth centenary of educationist, philanthropist and political activist Oja Sagolsem Indramani Singh was celebrated today under the auspices of Oja Indramani Birth Centenary Committee at GM Hall here today.

Offering of floral tributes to Oja Indramani, discourse on his life and works, presentation of awards instituted in the memory of Oja Indramani, felicitation of students, etc were some of the main highlights of the centenary celebration.

Born on May 2, 1907 at Thangmeiband Khoyathong as the third son of Sagolsem Ibochaoba and Sagolsem Ongbi Chamu, Oja Indramani dedicated his entire life to the case of promoting education and physical culture and work for the underprivileged section of the society.

In 1948, he set up Leikon Ashram, for providing care and support to orphans and other destitute children To promote education, he established Sindamsinshang Residential High School in 1948, Girls and Adult Night School in 1952-53 and Lilashing Khongnangkhong Junior High School in 1958-59 .Oja Indramani was also a pioneering figure in the field of promotion of physical culture and people from other parts of the North Eastern region as well promoting his tutelages.

In 1951, he established Manipur Man Building Institute and it organised Mister Manipur contest for the first time in Manipur.

Besides this, the Institute had also sponsored numerous events of Mukna, boxing, wrestling, weighting, gymnastics, etc.

Oja Indramani was also among the first persons to raise their voice against the merger of Manipur with India which came into effect on October 15, 1949.In 1953, he published and edited a daily newspaper called Mother Manipur through which he highlighted various issues.

Subsequently, towards bringing about a political change in Manipur, he played a pivotal role in setting up Manipur Revolutionary Nationalist Party and Manipur National Party.

Oja Indramani had been jailed on various occasions for his political activities.

He passed away from a heart disease on November 27, 1987.The birth centenary observance function of such a pioneering figure was attended by social worker S Apabi Sharma, president of Oja Indramani Memorial Trust Thounaojam Iboyaima and veteran body builder Sijagurumayum Sunilchandra Sharma as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

The Oja Indramani Memorial Journalist Award for this year has been presented to joint editor of Huyel Lanpao Ratan Luwangcha and senior correspondent of AIR Imphal BB Sharma while the Oja Indramani Memorial Body Building Award, 2007 has been presented to Nepram Kishan who is the title holder of Mister Manipur, 2006.Hodam Radharani who was crowned with the title Miss Manipur in 1953 was also honoured at the occasion.

Along with organising a quiz competition to mark the birth centenary observance, prizes were also presented to 10 selected meritorious students of Oja Indramani Memorial Children Academy.

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