The Scholar Who Became the People's Voice
Angomcha Bimol Akoijam — known across Manipur simply as "Oja" (teacher) — is a distinguished academic, filmmaker and parliamentarian from Imphal.
An academic life
Dr. Akoijam holds an MA and PhD in psychology. For over sixteen years he has taught at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University — one of India's premier institutions. Before JNU, he served at Delhi University and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS).
His scholarship spans social psychology, identity, and cultural studies. Throughout his career he has engaged with public issues and democratic movements, advocating for social justice, equality and human rights — earning national respect as a public intellectual.
The call of duty
When ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, Dr. Akoijam became one of the most powerful voices demanding accountability and peace. In 2024, he answered his people's call: contesting the Lok Sabha election from Inner Manipur as the Indian National Congress candidate, he won with a margin of 1,09,801 votes — breaking every electoral record in Manipur's history — carried by extraordinary support from young and first-time voters.
"You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of the work."
— The Bhagavad Gita verse he cites on teaching: "a noble vocation, a very humane activity that transforms the teacher and the taught."At a glance
- MP (Lok Sabha), Inner Manipur — elected 2024
- Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth & Sports
- Professor, School of Social Sciences, JNU
- MA & PhD in Psychology
- Formerly at Delhi University and CSDS
- Filmmaker and public intellectual
- Record victory margin of 1,09,801 votes
Why "Oja"?
In Meiteilon, Oja means teacher — a title of deep respect. To the people of Manipur, he remains the teacher first: patient in explanation, fearless in truth, and devoted to his students — now, an entire state.