Imphal, September 8: Manipur University on Tuesday mourned the untimely demise of Dr Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh, Assistant Professor (Stage-II) at the Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), remembering him as a committed teacher, compassionate mentor and an advocate of entrepreneurship education.
Dr Keshorjit passed away on September 6. Born on March 1, 1971, he hailed from Oinam Awang Leikai in Nambol and joined Manipur University as a regular faculty member on December 23, 2019.
Faculty members, officials, students, alumni, friends and members of his family gathered at the University Auditorium to pay tribute to the late academic.
Addressing the condolence meeting, Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof RK Hemakumar Singh said Dr Keshorjit’s death was a personal loss to those who knew him and a significant loss to the University. He remembered Dr Keshorjit as a sincere and dependable teacher who readily accepted institutional responsibilities and carried them out with confidence. His willingness to take up every assignment entrusted to him reflected the trust he had earned among his colleagues, the Vice-Chancellor said.
University assures assistance to family
Registrar Prof Moirangthem Premjit Singh assured the bereaved family that Manipur University would stand beside them and make every possible effort to extend assistance during the difficult period. Recognising the hardship caused by the sudden loss of the family’s principal breadwinner, the Registrar said the University would examine whether support could be provided to an eligible family member under the applicable die-in-harness provisions.
He clarified that the matter would be discussed with the Vice-Chancellor and considered carefully in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures. The University would take all permissible steps within its authority to help the family, he said.
From MIMS student to faculty member
MIMS Director Prof Ch Ibohal Meitei recalled Dr Keshorjit’s long association with the institute. He first joined MIMS as a student of its inaugural MBA batch during 1995–97 and later returned as a teacher and mentor.
Describing the journey from being among the institute’s earliest students to becoming one of its faculty members as remarkable, Prof Ibohal said Dr Keshorjit was known for his intellectual curiosity, commitment to teaching and genuine concern for students.
Apart from his academic responsibilities, he contributed to entrepreneurship education, enterprise creation and the development of Manipur’s start-up ecosystem. His role in management education would remain an important part of the history of MIMS, he added.
W Chandbabu Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University and a MIMS professor presently on lien, recalled his association with Dr Keshorjit since 1995. He described him as a highly committed teacher who remained closely involved in academic and institutional activities and was always willing to assist students and colleagues.
Prof Jibon Kumar Sharma of MIMS remembered Dr Keshorjit as an academically accomplished person who had excelled throughout his educational journey. He said the late teacher continued to guide students seeking admission and academic assistance even during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recalling their final conversation on September 4, Prof Jibon said Dr Keshorjit had spoken about expanding entrepreneurship education, strengthening placement opportunities and connecting students with reputed organisations.
Prof Laishram Prabhakar Singh, who had known Dr Keshorjit since 1995, spoke about his early professional journey and years of work in education. He said Dr Keshorjit remained closely involved in developing entrepreneurship-related programmes and consistently worked for the growth of MIMS and its students.
Students and alumni remember a mentor
Manipur University Teachers’ Association president Khetrimayum Narayan Singh said Dr Keshorjit had served as an executive member of the association and actively participated in its activities. Recalling that one of Dr Keshorjit’s final messages was a Teachers’ Day greeting, he urged the teaching community to carry forward the ideals of sincerity and service demonstrated by the departed faculty member.
Strela Thounaojam Luwang, a MIMS student and Femina Miss India 2023 second runner-up, remembered Dr Keshorjit as more than a classroom teacher. She described him as a friend, mentor and father figure who encouraged students to overcome fear, build confidence and pursue their goals.
Thongam Ajit of Singjamei 360, representing MIMS alumni, said Dr Keshorjit’s guidance had helped many young people move forward in their professional lives. He remembered him as a mentor who encouraged students to become employment creators and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr Keshorjit’s father expressed gratitude to the University community for organising the condolence meeting and standing beside the family. His daughter remembered him as a loving father, teacher and mentor whose discipline, concern and constant encouragement would continue to guide the family.
Deans of various Schools, faculty members, officials, students and alumni also shared their memories of Dr Keshorjit.
The gathering offered floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence in his memory. Prayers were offered for the departed soul and for strength to the bereaved family. The meeting also resolved to send a formal condolence message to the family.
