IT Desk
Imphal, Feb 5:
Dr. Sagolsem Kulachandra Singh, a stalwart in the fields of education, social activism, and community development, has been acknowledged for his significant contributions spanning decades. Born on January 1, 1945, in Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai to (L) S.Gourachand Singh and Apambi Devi, Imphal West District, Dr. Kulachandra Singh’s journey is marked by a relentless commitment to uplifting communities and fostering education.
Having completed his Matriculation in 1959 from Gauhati University, Assam, Dr. Kulachandra Singh went on to achieve notable milestones in his academic pursuits. Obtaining certificate courses in Sahitya Sudhakar from Bombay Hindi Vidyapith, Sanskrit Parichay from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bombay, and NCC (Sr. Div. ‘C’) in 1963, he laid the foundation for a multifaceted and impactful career.
In 1969, Dr. Kulachandra Singh earned his M.Com, followed by a Ph.D. in Commerce in 1975 from Lucknow University, making him the first Ph.D. degree holder in Commerce in Manipur. Alongside his academic achievements, he contributed significantly to society, embodying the values of selfless service instilled by his father, (L) S. Gourachand Singh. He is married to Thingbaijam Budhibati Devi and has two daughters and one son.
Driven by a passion for social welfare from a young age, Dr. Kulachandra Singh served as Pracharak of Rastrabhasha Prachar Samiti, Warda, from 1959 to 1965. He established Sanskrit Vidyalaya (1961) and two Hindi Vidyalaya at Thangmeiband (1961). Recognizing the importance of education for girls, he played a pivotal role as the convenor-cum-founder Secretary of North Imphal Girls High School, Chingmeirong. He established the Thangmeiband Improvement Club in Imphal with the aim of uplifting youths, and the organization continues to thrive, actively engaging in community initiatives.
His involvement in national platforms was noteworthy, serving as the Vice-president of ABVP Lucknow University (1967) until the emergency period. Dr. Kulachandra Singh extended support to Manipuri and Arunachal Pradesh students through the platform “My Home is India.” He organized annual celebrations of Netaji Subash Chandra’s birthday, infused with patriotic songs.
Dr. Kulachandra Singh’s legacy of selfless voluntary service continued with the founding of various social organizations. Notable initiatives include organizing the Vande Mataram Centenary, Jail Bharo Andolan. As the founding Secretary of Seva Bharati, Manipur, he served as the Vice-President of Shiksha Vikash Samity, contributing to the establishment of Bal Vidya Mandirs in Manipur. Additionally, he played a key role as a founding member of Kalyan Ashram, Manipur.
His advocacy for the people of Manipur extended to addressing issues such as the Economic Blockade concerning National Highway from Imphal to Dimapur. In 1999, he organized the First Manipur Tribal Sports Meet with support from the Sports Department, Government of Manipur.
Dr. Kulachandra Singh played a pivotal role in establishing Keshav Dham, Uttar Purvanchal Janajati Sabha, Gauhati (1975), Lok Sangarsh Samity, and Bharatiya Itihas Samkalan (1994), as well as Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.
In the educational sector, he served as the Principal of the Basic Management Training Centre in Allahabad and contributed significantly as a trainer for the Ekal Vidyalaya Yojna in Bihar and Jharkhand for 11 years, focusing on the promotion of yoga. Dr. Kulachandra Singh also held the distinction of being the first trainer for Scheduled Caste and Tribe. Afterward, he assumed the responsibility for Shri Hari Satsang in the North East. Upon his arrival in Manipur, he assumed the charge of Vishwa Samvad Kendra.
In a pioneering move for Manipur, Dr. Kulachandra Singh, in collaboration with Maibam Dinamani Singh, established a coaching center for the Rama Krishna Mission School, a milestone that witnessed numerous aspirants evolving into accomplished citizens of Manipur. Complementing this, he instituted a coaching center for the Merit Scholarship examination, guiding students to excel in diverse fields such as High Court Judges, IAS, IPS officers, doctors, engineers, and military officers.
Beyond academia, Dr. Kulachandra Singh’s dedication to the practice of Yoga has earned him the reputation of a selfless social activist committed to cultural heritage preservation. This commitment is reflected in the numerous Yoga Centers he has established across Bihar, Jharkhand, and the North East states.
Dr. Kulachandra Singh’s cultural endeavors extended to organizing Vedic sacrifices in Manipur for five years. As a culmination of blessings from Sankaracharya in the fifth year, the Veda Vidyapith was established at Charhajare, providing education to 30 students.
His role as the coordinator for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in Manipur resulted in the establishment of the Rama Krishna Mission School, further enhancing educational opportunities in the region.
His dedication to health and well-being is evident through his lifelong practice of yoga, initiated under the guidance of (L) Dr. Telem Jugindro Singh in 1956. Dr. Kulachandra Singh acquired proficiency in Yoga from the Chinmaya Mission in Allahabad and subsequently established numerous Yoga Centers in Bihar, Jharkhand, and the North East states. He played a pioneering role as the first trainer for Patanjali Yog Samity, Manipur, and was a founding member of Gau Seva Ayam, Manipur. Dr. Kulachandra Singh also served as the founder coordinator of the Deen Dayal Research Institute, Manipur Branch, National Medico Organisation, and Arogya Bharati, Manipur. During the ongoing crisis in Manipur, he extended humanitarian aid to the victims of immigrant Kuki militants, providing medical check-ups and distributing free medicines in different relief camps.
In the tribal sector, Dr. Kulachandra Singh fostered mutual understanding and solidarity between the valley people and hill people in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and the North-East. Dr. Kulachandra Singh dedicated 19 years to working with Dalit, Adivasi, Scheduled Tribe, and Scheduled Caste communities in Allahabad, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and the North-Eastern part of India, promoting the practice of Yoga.
His outstanding contributions have earned him recognition at both state and national levels. Adhivakta Parishad, Manipur, honored him as a distinguished SOCIAL ACTIVIST in 2022, with a memento presented by Retd. Justice Kh. Nobin Singh of the Manipur High Court on September 7, 2022. On a national scale, Dr. Kulachandra Singh received the prestigious Gandhi Vinoaba Peace Award for Lifetime Achievement for Public Service in 2023 from Vinoba Seva Pratisthan. Further, he was bestowed with the Rastriya Ayush Gaurav Award 2023 on December 3, 2023, by the Sanjivani Welfare Society, Allahabad, at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Kulachandra Singh’s multifaceted efforts underscore his commitment to holistic development, education, and fostering a sense of unity in diverse communities, making him a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
