Imphal, Manipur – July 2025 — In a nation as linguistically diverse as India, with more than 19,500 dialects spoken across its landscape, preserving endangered languages is both a monumental challenge and an urgent cultural responsibility. Leading this noble mission from the heart of Northeast India is Prof. Dr. Thokchom Chandramani Singh, a distinguished linguist, academician, and relentless advocate for India’s lesser-known tribal languages.
A Lifelong Mission to Preserve India’s Linguistic Diversity
With over two decades of dedicated work, Prof. Singh has emerged as a central figure in the preservation of India’s fragile linguistic heritage. As the Professor and Dean at the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research, Manipur International University, he is at the forefront of language revitalization efforts that extend far beyond Manipur’s borders.
Rooted in Manipur: The Formative Years
Born on February 1, 1977, in Imphal East, Manipur, Prof. Singh’s fascination with language, identity, and culture began at an early age. His academic journey was marked by excellence—he graduated with a gold medal in linguistics in 2000, setting the stage for a career defined by scholarship, dedication, and service to marginalized communities.
Trailblazer in Tribal and Endangered Language Research
Prof. Singh’s career took a pivotal turn when he became the first language scientist under the “Dimensions of Language Endangerment” program, launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. This role led him deep into the tribal heartlands of Northeast India, where he conducted extensive fieldwork and documented critically endangered languages such as Saimer, Aimol, and Tarao.
One of his most notable contributions is his work with the Thangal Naga tribe. By publishing the first-ever Preliminary Grammar of Thangal Naga, he provided a foundation for preserving the identity and linguistic heritage of this endangered ethnic community.
Pioneering Publications and Lasting Impact
Prof. Singh’s academic legacy is marked by a prolific body of work. Among his most celebrated achievements is the compilation of 39 pictorial glossaries representing the ethnic richness of Northeast India. These visual dictionaries serve not only as linguistic tools but also as cultural bridges between generations. His work earned him a place in the USA Book of World Records (2025).
He is also the compiler of “Sakok Thiren”, a sacred Meetei scripture that sheds light on the religious and philosophical depth of the Meetei community. His scholarly treatise, “Origin and Development of Early Indian Scripts,” has been praised for its in-depth analysis of ancient Indian writing systems.
Recognized on National and International Platforms
Prof. Singh’s efforts have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards, including:
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International Educationist of the Year 2023 – Indian Pride Iconic Awards
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National Educationist of the Year 2023 – Social Point, India
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Nelson Mandela Inspired Awards 2025 – For his pictorial glossaries and Thangal grammar
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Global Achievers Award 2025 – For excellence in linguistic research
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Bharat Gaurav Samman 2025 – Honoring his dedication to language preservation
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Rabindranath Tagore Inspired Awards 2025 – For contributions to cultural and language studies
Leading the Way Forward in Language Research
As the head of the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research at Manipur International University, Prof. Singh oversees critical projects that drive India’s efforts in language documentation and revitalization. Under his leadership, the university—an autonomous institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)—has become a hub for cutting-edge linguistic research in the region.
A Life Beyond Academia
Despite his towering academic accomplishments, Prof. Singh remains deeply grounded in his personal life. He lives in Koirou Thongju Part-2, Imphal East, with his wife, Dr. Waikhom Sanjita Devi, a respected Senior Clinical Professional at Apollo Excel Care Hospital, Boragaon, and their two daughters, Leimarenbi Thokchom and Lanchenbi Thokchom.
Conclusion: Championing the Voices of the Unheard
Prof. Dr. Thokchom Chandramani Singh is not just a linguist; he is a custodian of cultural memory and a voice for India’s endangered languages. His pioneering work ensures that languages on the brink of extinction are documented, understood, and passed on to future generations. In an era dominated by globalization and digital communication, his contributions remind us that language is more than a tool for communication—it is the soul of a culture.
His journey is a powerful testament to how one individual’s dedication can help preserve the richness of India’s linguistic and cultural landscape for generations to come.
