Respected Prof N. Lokendra Singh,
I am writing this letter as a concerned senior citizen, deeply troubled by the news published in local ne*,spapers regarding the developments surrounding Manipur University’s I5th Convocation on March 2V,2A26. The Executive Council’s decision to proceed with the ceremony—while withholding the honoris causa degrees approved in 2A22 for three distinguished cultural figures {veteran Manipuri filmmaker Aribarn Syane Sharma” noted theatre director Ratan Thiyam and Nat Sankirtana exponent Sougaijam Thanil Singh—has left many of us bewildered. It implies that Manipur University considers them “not deserving” of honorary degrees. Arnong them, only Aribam Syam Sharma is alive to personally bear the grave insult. Such “extrerne crookedness” demands an explanation.
One of the personalities denied recogniticn, Ratan Thiyain—a writer, director, designer, painter, composer and choreographer—has already had, honoris causa conferred upon him by five universities, namely: (1) Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, in 2008, (2) Gauhati University, in 2010, (3) Assam University, in 2013, (4) UTKAL University of Culture, Odisha, in 2017, and (5) ITM University Gwalior, in 2018. The plays he wrote are taught in many universities outside Manipur.
To suggest that such figures are “not deserving” is not only factually untenable but also an affront to their lifelong contributions to culture, literature, and the arts. It appears that there were last minute interventions that blocked the honours. This abrupt reversal, without transparent justification, undermines the credibility of Manipur University and diminishes the sanctity of its Convocation.
The act of rescinding honours at the eleventh hour is unpardonable. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the decision-making process and the respect accorded to cultural luminaries who have enriched our society. The academic community and the public deserve a clear and reasoned explanation for this action. Silence or vague justifications will only deepen the perception of injustice.
I therefore urge Manipur University to:.
- Provide a detailed clarification of the grounds on which the honours were withheld.
- Address the reports of last-minute interventions and identify the authority responsible.
- Offer an apology to the three distinguished figures whose dignity has been compromised.
- Reaffirm Manipur University’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for cultural contributions.
Institutions of learning are expected to uphold values of truth, justice, and honour. When these values are compromised, it is not only the individuals denied recognition who suffer, but the entire academic and cultural community. I sincerely hope Manipur University will act swiftly to restore faith in its processes and to ensure that such regrettable actions are never repeated.
With respectful concern,
Signature
Tayenjam Bijoykumar Singh
Keishamthong, Top Leirak, Imphal – 795001, Email: bijoytay@yahoo.co”in
