The First Pangal at St. Stephen’s College: The Unsung but Unforgotten Legacy of Oja Wahidur, the Invisible Hand That Moved a Community

Written by Safiur Rahaman Maibam

When I was brought up and began my activism, I began to notice a significant vacuum in the activism and academic spaces within the Pangal community. One of the most pressing shortcomings I observed was the lack of intellectual backing behind our activism. This absence made it difficult for the community to develop a strong, coherent narrative and a clear, unified stand on many of the complex socio-political and economic issues we face.

I often found myself asking: Where have all the intellectuals of the Pangal community gone? It was during this time of questioning that I repeatedly heard elders and veteran activists mention one name with unwavering respect—Oja Wahidur. They spoke of him as the most organic, committed, and active intellectual the Pangal community had known someone who had made countless sacrifices and was deeply involved in every effort to uplift the community.

Although he had withdrawn from public life by the time I became active due to reasons the elders describe as complex and deeply personal—his influence never left the collective consciousness of the community. I had never met him, never interacted with him personally, nor even seen his face. And yet, his name transcended generations. He is, without doubt, one of the greatest intellectual assets our community has produced.

Inspired by his legacy, I have always dreamt of knowing him more deeply—not just for myself, but to share his story with the younger generation, so we may grow more organic intellectuals from among us. Today, I am fortunate enough to have been getting the opportunity to write about him and his journey.

The Life and Legacy of Syed Wahidur Rahman

Syed Wahidur Rahman, a distinguished academician, activist and administrator, remains one of the most respected and important figures in the modern intellectual and socio-political history of the Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) community. His journey from the humble town of Lilong Haoreibi Awang Leikai in Thoubal District to the prestigious institutions of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, is not just a tale of personal success, but a beacon for an entire community striving for recognition, dignity, and progress.

Born to (Late) Syed Jalaluddin, Syed Wahidur Rahman laid his educational foundations at AMU, where he completed his Pre-University Course, B.A. (Hons.) in English, and M.A. in English between 1971 and 1977. AMU was not just his academic home, but a crucible of his leadership development—serving as an editorial board member of the university magazine, Secretary of the Post-Graduate Discussion Group in the Department of English, and Captain of the Habib Hall Swimming Club.

In 1978, he became the first Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) to be admitted to Delhi University’s esteemed St. Stephen’s College. There, he pursued a Master of Philosophy and held the post of Secretary of the Philosophical Society. His stay at E-8, Allnutt North Hostel placed him at the heart of India’s vibrant academic and intellectual discourse, where he honed his philosophical and social insights.

Wahidur Rahman’s academic career officially began in 1980 as a Lecturer in Philosophy at Imphal College. From there, he went on to hold several significant positions: Head of the English Faculty at Dayawati Modi Academy in Modipuram (UP), Lecturer and later Senior Lecturer at G.P. Women’s College, and finally Associate Professor/Selection Grade Lecturer—a role he held until his voluntary retirement in 2021. He also served as the Superintendent of the college’s girls’ hostel from 1993 to 2002, managing students from four major government colleges in Imphal.

His intellectual contributions extended into administrative service. From 2006–2009 and 2011–2013, he served as Secretary of the Manipur State Minorities Commission, and simultaneously as Executive Officer-cum-Secretary of the Manipur State Haj Committee. His ability to juggle academic,bureaucratic, activism responsibilities underscored his dedication and competence.

More than his formal designations, what makes Syed Wahidur Rahman a towering figure in Pangal history is his tireless commitment and effort to social justice. He was instrumental in the successful campaign for the inclusion of Meitei Pangals in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in 1994. His advocacy bore fruit in 2007 when a 4% reservation quota for the Pangal community in government jobs and admissions to professional and technical courses was officially implemented. This remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Pangal community’s struggle for equity and representation.

Throughout his life, Wahidur Rahman remained deeply involved in civil society, serving as Secretary, General Secretary, Advisor, Patron, and Chief Election Commissioner for numerous state and national organizations. He was also a UGC Teacher Fellow under the Faculty Development Programme (2000–2002) and held a State Merit Scholarship from 1972 to 1977.

Now, residing at Minuthong Golapati near Golapati Jama Masjid in Imphal, Syed Wahidur Rahman is remembered not merely as a retired academician but as a transformative force—a true organic intellectual of the Pangal community. His contributions were not confined to the classroom or administrative offices; they extended deeply into the social and political landscape of Manipur, particularly among the marginalized Pangal community.

He was the vanguard of the community in both academic and activist spheres from the early 1990s—a period that saw major shifts in Manipur’s socio-political framework. At a time when the Pangal community suffered from intellectual silence and lacked a clear agency to represent their concerns, Oja Wahidur rose as the invisible force driving the socio-economic movement. Whether it was the fight for OBC recognition or the push for reservation, his leadership—often working behind the scenes—ensured that the community had a place at the table of power and policy.

During his peak years, he filled the academic vacuum that the community so desperately needed. His writing, thinking, organizational work, and policy formed the backbone of a community that was trying to assert itself in the face of historical marginalization. Every senior activist today pays homage to his contributions. He did not just speak for the community—he acted, organized, negotiated, and sacrificed.

Now, as the socio-political landscape continues to evolve, it is time for a new generation of intellectuals to emerge, inspired by his example. The legacy of Syed Wahidur Rahman is not just one to be remembered—it is one to be carried forward. His story must be told, studied, and celebrated so that more organic intellectuals may rise from the community and continue the unfinished work of justice, dignity, and empowerment for the Meitei Pangal people.

Indeed, his name has transcended the barriers of time and personal acquaintance—becoming a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and intellectual courage. He is, without question, an intellectual asset of the Pangal community, and his journey will continue to inspire generations to come.

Wahidur is the backbone of our community’s intellectual awakening. His insights into our socio-political issues were unparalleled, and his dedication was unmatched. He was not just a scholar but also a bridge between academic knowledge and grassroots activism. His work gave us the language and confidence to assert our rights. His story is a lighthouse for all of us who want to serve the Pangal community through knowledge and activism. He showed us that education and activism must go hand in hand.