Birth and Family Background: Born on October 25, 1920, in Bungpa Khunou village (now in Ukhrul district, Manipur), to Rungdi Keishing, a blacksmith-carpenter, and Mungshingla Keishing. As one of eight children in a Tangkhul Naga family, poverty shaped his early life, leading him to work as a primary school teacher at age 16 while still a high school student.

Early Education and Career: He attended multiple high schools in Imphal, Kohima, and Jorhat, matriculating in 1945. He later studied at Scottish Church College in Kolkata and graduated from St. Paul’s Cathedral Mission College. Initially a teacher in Ukhrul district, he quit to pursue politics full-time.

Entry into Politics: A freedom fighter, he led a 1949 demonstration at Calcutta University demanding statehood for Manipur, inspired by Nagaland’s formation. He strongly advocated Manipur’s merger with the Indian Union and was among the earliest Northeast leaders to address the Naga separatist issue in Parliament.

First Lok Sabha Election: In 1952, at age 32, he won election to India’s first Lok Sabha from Outer Manipur as a Socialist Party candidate, defeating a Congress opponent. He served until 1957, becoming one of the youngest MPs and witnessing key post-Independence events.

Re-elections and Party Switch: Re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1957 and 1962 on a Socialist ticket. In 1964, he joined the Indian National Congress at Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s invitation during a parliamentary crisis, remaining loyal to the party until his death.

State Legislative Role: Elected to the Manipur Territorial Council (1957-1961, 1967-1971) and first to the Manipur Vidhan Sabha in 1972 from Phungyar constituency, which he represented for 30 years across seven terms. Served as Cabinet Minister (1974-1976) and Opposition Leader (1976-1980).

Naga Integration Advocacy: In 1968, expelled from Manipur Congress for six years for signing a memorandum suggesting Naga-inhabited Manipur areas merge with Nagaland. In 1972, he brokered an agreement between the United Naga Integration Council and Congress recognizing “Greater Nagalim,” though this drew controversy.

Chief Ministerships: Served as Manipur’s Chief Minister four times: briefly in 1980 (92 days), 1981-1988 (full term, the first to complete one), and 1994-1997. His total tenure made him the longest-serving CM until surpassed by Okram Ibobi Singh. He navigated ethnic tensions, declaring tribal festivals as state holidays to bridge hill-valley divides.

Rajya Sabha Tenure: Elected to Rajya Sabha from Manipur in 2002 and re-elected in 2008, serving until 2014 at age 94. As the last surviving member of the first Lok Sabha, he became the world’s oldest serving parliamentarian in 2007, retiring as a revered elder statesman.

Personal Life and Legacy: Married Khatingla Keishing on April 15, 1950; they had four sons (including former MLA Victor Keishing) and two daughters. Known as “Ava” (father) to Tangkhuls and “Pabung” to Meiteis, he emphasized education, non-violence, and constitutional loyalty amid Naga politics.

Death and Honors: Passed away on August 22, 2017, at age 96 in Imphal’s Regional Institute of Medical Sciences due to multi-organ failure after a prolonged illness. Manipur observed three days of mourning; his funeral in Imphal drew tributes for his role in state-building, though NSCN(IM) denied burial permission in Ukhrul over past frictions.