In the vibrant and culturally diverse landscape of Manipur, where oral traditions, tribal customs, and ancient languages form the backbone of its rich heritage, one name stands out as a guardian of this legacy—Dr. Meinam Surendro Singh. Born on March 1, 1982, in the scenic town of Mayang Imphal, Thana Maning Leikai, Imphal West, Dr. Singh has emerged as a powerful voice for cultural preservation and an exemplary figure in the world of journalism and documentary filmmaking.

A son of the late Meinam Shyamkishore Singh, Dr. Singh’s roots are deeply embedded in the traditions of Manipur. He has spent his career not only chronicling the contemporary issues of the region but also breathing life into fading customs and endangered languages through his lens and pen. His work exemplifies the confluence of dedication, creativity, and cultural responsibility, and has earned him wide recognition both in India and abroad.

Dr. Meinam Surendro Singh shares his personal life with his wife, Thingujam Manibala Devi, who has been a constant source of support and strength throughout his journey in journalism and cultural advocacy. Their bond reflects a shared commitment to family values and cultural roots, which resonates deeply with Dr. Singh’s own mission of preserving heritage. Together, they are blessed with a son, Athoiba Meinam, whose presence adds joy and purpose to their lives. As a father, Dr. Singh is deeply devoted to nurturing in his son a sense of pride in their identity, tradition, and the values of dedication and service. His family not only stands as a pillar behind his professional success but also represents the continuity of a legacy grounded in cultural respect and community responsibility.

One of his most distinguished honors is the Prof. Dr. R. Subbakrishna Memorial Journalist Award, a prestigious accolade that recognizes journalistic excellence, especially in the field of cultural and linguistic reportage. Dr. Singh was awarded for his compelling work on the tribal and endangered languages of Manipur, a subject he explored through his reporting with ISTV, where he serves as a senior reporter. His reportage not only informs but educates viewers on the fragility and richness of Manipur’s linguistic diversity, encouraging a renewed respect for the cultural roots of indigenous communities.

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Dr. Singh’s talents go beyond the newsroom. His mastery in visual storytelling found global appreciation when he received the Best Cameraman Award at the Global Indie Film Awards in 2025. The award-winning documentary focused on the Maring Naga Seed Sowing Ceremony, a culturally significant event that underscores the spiritual and agricultural traditions of the Maring Naga tribe. Through his lens, Dr. Singh offered a moving and authentic portrayal of this ceremony, bringing to light rituals that are rarely documented and often overlooked. The documentary, produced by the Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research at Manipur International University, stands as a testament to his ability to merge academic rigor with cinematic expression.

His contributions have also been acknowledged academically. In recognition of his extensive and impactful work in journalism and mass media communications, Dr. Singh was recommended for an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Colombo University in Sri Lanka. This honor not only affirms his professional excellence but also underlines the significance of cultural journalism in a global context. His work transcends borders, resonating with audiences and scholars alike who are concerned with preserving indigenous cultures in a rapidly modernizing world.

At present, Dr. Singh serves under the Manipur State Finance Commission cadre in the Government of Manipur. His involvement in the public sector reflects a multidimensional commitment—not only is he a storyteller and preservationist, but also a civil servant dedicated to contributing to the broader development of his state. His dual role as a government official and cultural advocate positions him uniquely to influence policy and public awareness, particularly in areas concerning cultural documentation and tribal welfare.

What truly sets Dr. Singh apart is his unwavering passion for cultural preservation. In an era where globalization often threatens to homogenize identities, his work reclaims space for the unique stories of Manipur’s tribal communities. Whether through his investigative reports or evocative documentaries, he ensures that the voices, traditions, and knowledge of these communities are not only recorded but respected and celebrated. His storytelling serves as both a mirror and a bridge—reflecting the rich tapestry of Manipur’s heritage and connecting it with a broader audience.

In sum, Dr. Meinam Surendro Singh stands as a beacon of hope for cultural preservation in Northeast India. His journey from a small town in Imphal West to international recognition is an inspiring narrative of how journalism, when driven by purpose and integrity, can play a transformative role in society. Through his work, Dr. Singh has ensured that the fading echoes of ancient songs, rituals, and languages of Manipur are not lost to time, but instead carried forward into the future with reverence and pride.