UKHRUL/CHANDEL: In a remarkable academic milestone that has brought pride to Manipur’s Chandel district and the Anal Naga community, 32-year-old Marina Langhu, daughter of Dalhring Langhu and Warjahring Hulang from Lambung Village, Chandel District, has been awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering) by The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Japan. Her doctoral degree (HAKU KO 11683) was officially conferred on her on June 11, 2026.
The second eldest among four siblings, Dr. Marina grew up in a close-knit Thuwngbol colony of Lambung village, where she imbibed the values of perseverance, humility and hard work. She completed her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Civil Engineering and Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Water Resources Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur, where her keen interest in hydrology, flood management and environmental sustainability first took shape.
Iwui Story (My Story): ‘I Carried My Family Before I Chased My Dreams’: Horthingshang CS
Speaking in an online interview with this author, Dr. Marina said her doctoral journey became possible through the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for Scheduled Tribe Students, awarded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The prestigious scholarship enabled her to pursue higher studies at one of the world’s leading universities, providing opportunities to work alongside internationally renowned researchers, access world-class research facilities and broaden academic and professional perspectives.
The high point of her doctoral research was working under the supervision of Professor Taikan Oki and Professor Masashi Kiguchi at The University of Tokyo. Professor Taikan Oki is an internationally renowned hydrologist and recipient of the 2024 Stockholm Water Prize, widely regarded as the world’s highest honour in water science and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Water.” His pioneering contributions to global hydrology, climate change and sustainable water resources, together with his distinguished service as a Coordinating Lead Author of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, former Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, have earned him worldwide recognition. Professor Masashi Kiguchi is a leading researcher in hydrology, monsoon climatology and climate change, whose expertise, guidance and constant encouragement greatly enriched her research experience and academic development. She described their mentorship as instrumental in profoundly shaping her academic outlook, research capabilities, and professional growth.
Reflecting on her life in Japan since April 2023, Dr. Marina said adapting to a new culture, language, food and academic environment was both challenging and enriching. She noted that Japanese society’s emphasis on discipline, punctuality, mutual respect and excellence, coupled with University of Tokyo’s culture of independent thinking, collaboration and innovation, helped her become more resilient, open-minded and appreciative of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Her doctoral dissertation, entitled “Study on Flood Inundation in Lower Brahmaputra River Basin under Human-Flood Interactions,” examines how communities living in flood-prone areas adapt to recurring floods. Rather than viewing floods solely as natural disasters, her research examines the dynamic interactions between flood hazards, human behaviour, agriculture and community adaptation. Her findings underscore the importance of indigenous knowledge, traditional farming practices and accumulated local experience in reducing flood vulnerability and strengthening resilience. She hopes her research will contribute to more sustainable flood-risk management and climate adaptation strategies, particularly for vulnerable riverine communities.
Dr. Marina published several research articles in peer-reviewed international journals and presented her research at national and international conferences during her doctoral studies. These experiences, she said, broadened her academic perspective and strengthened her commitment to interdisciplinary research.
Beginning in August 2026, Dr. Marina will continue at The University of Tokyo as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the River Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Human Geo-Science Group, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering. Her future research will focus on integrating hydrology, climate science, environmental engineering and human dimensions to better understand the complex interactions between natural and human systems. Her long-term goal is to contribute to scientific research that advances climate resilience, sustainable water resources management and practical solutions for communities confronting increasing environmental challenges.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Marina thanked Professors Taikan Oki and Masashi Kiguchi, the faculty members, mentors, colleagues and friends who guided and supported her throughout her doctoral journey. She also acknowledged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI, for awarding the NOS, without which her doctoral studies would not have been possible. Above all, she dedicated her achievement to her parents and family, whose unwavering and unconditional love, sacrifices, and encouragement sustained her throughout the years. She expressed hope that her journey would inspire young people from Manipur, especially those from rural and tribal communities, to pursue higher education with confidence and determination.
Dr. Marina Langhu’s achievement stands as an inspiration to aspiring scholars across Manipur and the Northeast, reaffirming that dedication, academic excellence, and the right opportunities can enable young people from remote communities to make meaningful contributions on the global stage.
