“Moirangthem Indrajit Singh: A Resilient Force in Preserving Manipur’s Cultural Heritage”
Moirangthem Indrajit Singh, also known as MM Indrajit Meiraba, was born on August 1, 1974, into a humble fishing family in Manipur, India. He is the son of the late Moirangthem Sanachou Singh and the late Moirangthem Purnima Leima. Raised in Sendra Chingkhong, Bishnupur District, Manipur, his early life was marked by significant challenges, particularly following the loss of his mother in 1981, when he was still a child. His family, which includ[1]ed a younger sister and his grandmother, depended on fishing in Loktak Lake for their livelihood, making his upbringing a testament to resilience and survival. Deeply rooted in Meitei cultural traditions, his upbringing was rich with the legacy of indigenous and devotional music, a heritage passed down from his forefathers who were folk singers. This cultural environment nurtured his passion for literature and music, encouraging him to delve into the study of related literature. He completed his schooling at local institutions and later earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from DM College of Arts & Commerce, now part of DM University in Imphal, Manipur. During his academic years, he was an active participant in debates, poetry recitations, and monologue dramas, earning several accolades for his performances. His active involvement in social activities within his community reflected his deep commitment to societal welfare from an early age. In 1996, he married Khuraijam Sundari Devi, and to support his growing family, he began working as a fisherman and cultivator in Loktak Lake. However, seeking better financial stability, he moved to Imphal in 2002. Life, however, continued to present hardships; he lost his father and grandmother in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and suffered the tragic loss of his eldest son during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite these personal tragedies, he turned to his cultural roots for solace and inspiration, channeling his emotions into writing folk songs. His compositions are deeply inspired by Meitei mythology, indigenous culture, and traditions, serving as a bridge between myth and history, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of his community. Professionally, he is the Managing Partner of M/s MIS & SON’S Construction Supply, a registered Special Class Contractor under the Public Works Department, Government of Manipur. He possesses extensive experience in the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges across the state. Alongside his professional pursuits, he is a renowned cultural and indigenous folk lyricist, having produced several music and video albums of folk songs that celebrate and preserve his community’s cultural identity. He is also a patron and life member of various cultural institutions, including the Performing Artiste Laboratory led by National Award-winning folk music guru N. Tiken Singh, The Folk Arts & Cultural Guild under Padma Shri Guru Rewben Mashangva, and other esteemed organizations dedicated to the preservation of folk dance and music in Manipur. His social contributions are noteworthy. He founded the Sendra Youth Club and served as the General Secretary of both the Kanglei Tourism & Cultural Development Association and the DM College Arts & Commerce Forum. He has also been actively involved in initia[1]tives like the Great Nehru Trail and the National Service Scheme (NSS). His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Vishwa Ratna Samman for his work as a folk lyricist, the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Award from the Dalit Sahitya Academy, and the 38th National Samarpan Diwas Award in 2024 for his cultural and environmental contributions. His achievements continue to inspire and uphold the rich cultural heritage of Manipur.
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