Differently abled Kouna craftsman waits for Govt's aid to achieve his entrepreneurship dream
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 04 2018:
For Nandeibam Ingo, forgoing many of his ambitions and dreams have been an inevitable part of his life.
In spite of being a highly skilled artisan, he is not able to fulfil his long time cherished dream to become an entrepreneur owing to the lack of necessary support.
The 28 year old youth, whose ears are partially impaired since birth is making almost every kind of Kouna products, be it glamourous products of water resistance ladies Kouna bag or the highly skilled Kouna-baby cradle.
Bora to Nadeibam Kironkumar and Nandeibam ongbi Tombi of Singjamei Wangma Pebiya Pandit Leikai, Imphal East, Ingo has also been imparting his skills of making products with the use of Kouna to his localities and among many enthusiasts in different parts of the State.
He even used to take part in many vocational training programmes as a trainer.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Ingo claimed that he can make varieties of Kouna products, including flower pots, stools (Mora) and further informed that he almost make every kind of products asked by customers.
The timid looking youth conveyed that he completed his Masters in Life Science from Manipur University in 2014.He asserted that he hardly managed to complete his Masters without much financial support from his parents and from the meagre amount collected from his Kouna products.
Tombi who was sitting nearby him supported his son's assertion by claiming that the family is living from hand to mouth and as such it is difficult to look after the needs of her sons and daughters.
Ingo's mother lamented that her son has, so far, not received any help from the Government although he was certified as "bilateral moderate severe" by doctor in addition to the possession of an ID card for Persons with Disability from the Social Welfare Department.
Tombi went on to maintain that her son underwent multiple operations, but his condition did not improve at all although huge money were incurred for the treatment.
When asked whether they have approached the authority for help, Ingo stated that he was much discouraged when some authorities concerned asked for bribes after he was running around to seek aid from the Government, a few years back.
He continued that it takes influence from some high handed persons and even money to seek and get Government's help.
Saying that he has been dreaming of fulfilling many ambitions in life, including becoming of an entrepreneur, Ingo said he had abandoned many of his plans due to lack of capital and now, he is merely working as a labourer to meet the daily expense.
Ingo added that he also take private tuitions besides preparing for competitive examinations.