A solemn tribute was paid to late Professor Naorem Sanajaoba on the occasion of his sixteenth death anniversary at the Ojha Sanajaoba Memorial Complex at Lairikyengbam Leikai in Imphal East on Friday.
The observance, held in the morning, was attended by people from different parts of the state who gathered to honour the life and legacy of the renowned scholar, popularly known as “Ojha.” Professor Sanajaoba was remembered for his lifelong commitment to opposing colonialism, racism, fascism and caste-based discrimination, and for his consistent advocacy for the rights of oppressed communities.
Speaking on the occasion, managing trustee of the Ojha Sanajaoba Memorial Trust, S Bhubon, said that Professor Sanajaoba, despite being born into a modest family, emerged as an institution in himself through his intellectual contributions and activism. He said the late professor’s works on Manipur as well as on international issues continue to inspire scholars and activists alike, adding that his journey began as a student leader and later evolved into the development of a distinct school of thought centred on emancipation and justice.
As part of the programme, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of the late professor. Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the observance, Bhubon gave a brief account of Professor Sanajaoba’s life and academic journey.
Professor Naorem Sanajaoba was born on December 30, 1945, at Singjamei Makha Naorem Leikai and grew up in conditions of extreme poverty, with his family frequently shifting from one place to another. As a student, he actively participated in the mass movement against the artificial famine in Manipur in nineteen sixty five and later became the first elected president of the All Manipur Students’ Union.
After completing his graduation from DM College, he pursued legal studies at Gauhati University, where he secured second position in the LLB course and topped the LLM programme. He went on to obtain a doctoral degree as an independent scholar without the guidance of a supervisor, Bhubon said.
As a law student and later as a teacher, Professor Sanajaoba devoted his academic work to legal philosophy, jurisprudence, human rights, international law, international humanitarian law and administrative law. Among his notable works are Manipur: Past and Present, published in several volumes, Manipur: Treaties and Documents, International Human Rights and A Manual of International Humanitarian Laws. He also authored numerous articles and features on law, human rights, science, philosophy, politics and armed conflicts.
Professor Sanajaoba passed away on December 13, 2009, coinciding with the release of the third revised edition of his book Manipuri Puwari Kunmathoishuba Chahicha. Bhubon said the late professor stood firmly for the cause of self-determination, the integrity of Manipur and the liberation movements of peripheral states.
He added that translating the ideas and vision of Professor Naorem Sanajaoba into concrete action would be the most fitting tribute to the late scholar.