Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In a moment of high recognition for Manipur’s healthcare, hospitality and tourism sectors, Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of the BABINA Group of Companies, has been honoured with the prestigious “Life-Time Achievement Award 2025” by the Mylai Thiruvalluvar Tamil Sangam (MTTS), Chennai, in association with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Manipur.
The award was presented on Saturday, 9 August 2025, by the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Professor N. Lokendra Singh, in the presence of Dr. N. Murugan, Founder Chairman of Thiruvalluvar and Prof. Krishnan Baskar, Director of IIIT, Manipur, during a formal ceremony held at the Swamy Vivekananda Auditorium, IIIT Mantripukhri, Imphal.
The honour has been conferred upon Dr. Dhabali in recognition and acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions as a doctor and medical entrepreneur, and as a promoter of healthcare, hospitality and tourism initiatives, whose leadership has significantly impacted the sectors in Manipur and across the region.
Founder of the BABINA Group, Dr. Dhabali has established one of the most trusted and extensive networks of diagnostic laboratories and hospitals, including a state-of-the-art cancer institute in the region. His initiatives have created employment for over 1,250 professionals and significantly improved access to advanced healthcare services for the people of the region.
Through the Classic Group of Hotels, he pioneered Manipur’s modern hospitality sector, bolstering tourism in the state. Notably, he was the founding president of the Manipur Tourism Forum and instrumental in establishing the Imphal Peace Museum at Maibam Lotpa Ching in 2019, in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan, the Japanese Embassy, and the Government of Manipur to commemorate the Battle of Imphal and promote peace, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding.
Numerous accolades have marked Dr. Dhabali’s illustrious career for his contributions to public service, entrepreneurship, and supporting sports, among others. Awards presented at the ceremony included honours for eminent scientists and outstanding performing artistes, reflecting the event’s celebration of excellence across multiple fields. The Life-Time Achievement Award 2025 stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to service, excellence, and the holistic development of society.
