Dr. S. C. Jamir, son of Senayangba Head Dobashi of Mokokchung district, was born on October 17, 1931 at Ungma village. His mother Takatula, daughter of Likokyangba is now 99 years old and is still active in her daily avocations. Dr. S. C. Jamir had his early education in the village and at Mokokchung. After finishing his matriculation examination, he joined Scottish Church College, Calcutta to study Intermediate Arts and from thence to Allahabad University where he completed B.A. and LL.B. in 1958. Dr. S. C. Jamir was the President of the Students’ Christian Movement at the University from 1954 to 1957 and was actively involved in student and Christian activities.

He began his political career soon after his studies. He was elected as the Joint Secretary of the Naga Peoples’ Convention on 22nd May, 1958. He was one of the signatories to the historic Agreement which is popularly known as the 16th Point Agreement with the Government of India in 1960 that resulted in the creation of the State of Nagaland as the sixteenth State of the Indian Union. He was also a member of the Interim Body of Nagaland. After the formation of the Interim Body, notification was issued to elect a person to represent the people of Nagaland in the Indian Parliament. Three candidates namely Shri A. Kevichusa, Kheloshe Seama and S. C. Jamir filed their nominations. Members of the Interim Body elected S. C. Jamir in 1961 to be the Naga representative in the Lok Sabha. To him goes the distinction of being the first Member of Parliament from the State of Nagaland.

He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962. Later he served as Union Deputy Minister of Railways, Labour and Employment, Community Development, Cooperation, Food and Agriculture during 1966 and 1970 under Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He was a member of the Indian Delegation to UNO in 1962 as Political Advisor. He was also a member of the Indian delegation to International Labour Organization (ILO) at Geneva in 1968. He was the Deputy leader of the Indian delegation to International Social Welfare Conference at Manila in 1969.

In 1971, Dr. S. C. Jamir came back to state politics through a by-election from Mongoya Assembly Constituency. He was elected and entered into the Assembly and since then he has the unique distinction of never losing any Assembly election. Between 1974 and 2003, he served the people of Nagaland in different capacities. He was the Chief Minister of Nagaland five times, the longest in the history of Nagaland. Dr. S. C. Jamir is regarded as one of the architects of modern Nagaland for his outstanding contributions to the development of the State. He was also the President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee for more than ten years. He was also a member of the Congress Working Committee till he was appointed Governor of Odisha.

He was appointed as the Governor of Goa on 17th July, 2004 and served in that capacity till July 2008. He held the additional charge of Maharashtra. He was then appointed as Governor of Maharashtra and sworn in on 9th March, 2008 and served till 22nd January, 2010. During this period, he held additional charge of Governor of Gujarat from 24th July, 2009 to 26th November, 2009.

In recognition of his distinguished public service Dr. Jmir was conferred with several awards prestigious such as Rashtriya Ekta Puraskar by the Committee for National Integration, National Citizen Award, “Arch of Asia” at Bangkok, Distinguished Leadership Award titled Man of the Year 1998 by the American Biographical Institute, USA. He was conferred Doctorate of Divinity (Hon Causa) by the University of Serampore, West Bengal and Doctor of Literature (Hon Causa) by Nagaland University.

The hallmark of Dr. S. C. Jamir’s life has been his dedicated work for the unity and integrity of the country, peaceful solution of the Naga political problem with honour and dignity. His life was attempted four times by the anti-national elements for his steadfast stand for the unity and integrity of the country.

Dr. S. C. Jamir is married to Imkonglemla and now they have four children and twelve grand children. He is a forceful speaker, a prolific writer and above all a value based statesman. His hobby is reading books. He is a sports lover and even now he plays badminton.