38 craftspersons honoured at MANITEX 2018
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 10 2018:
A total of 38 craftsmen/craftswomen were honoured on the 6th day of the MANITEX - 2018 at Manipur Trade and Expo Centre in Lamboikhongnangkhong today.
State Award was given to 8 craftsmen/craftswomen.
Nine artists were honoured with Merit Award while 18 were honoured with Inspirational Award.
Three differently abled craftsmen were also conferred with special awards at the expo.
The eight State Award winners are : Ningthoujam Sanahanbi of Kha Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai, Konsam Ibobi Meetei of Kongba Nandeibam Leikai, Chingangbam Ibomcha of Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, Konjengbam Aruni of Kwakeithel Konjengbam Leikai, Rajina of Bengoon Mayai Awang Leikai, Huyam Inaoba Meitei of Khurai Puthiba Leikai, Chanambam Meghachandra of Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi Ningthoujam Leikai and Samjetshabam Kamala of Thongjao Mayai Leikai.
The eight craftsmen/craftswomen were given the award along with Rs 1 lakh each, mementos and citations.
Nine merit awardees were encouraged with Rs 40,000 each while 18 Inpsirational Award winners were given Rs 20,000 each.
Tripura Forest and Tribal Affairs Minister Mevar Kumar Jamatia, who attended the event as chief guest, lauded the Manipuri women for their skills in crafts.
He further acknowledged vast role of the women in Manipur society.
The Minister further went on to say that Tripura has a unique and close ties with Manipur, when compared to other North-Eastern States.
The two States have a long history together, he said and added that he had visited Manipur many times when he was a student.
Expressing his happiness on attending the expo at Lamboikhongnangkhong, the Minister said that Tripura too is working towards empowering and promoting handlooms and handicrafts sector.
He further invited the people of the State to visit planned handlooms and handicrafts exhibition in Tripura next month.
Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd chairman S Raj en, MANIDCO chairman MLA Dr Y Radheshyam, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Principal Secretary JC Ramthanga, Textiles, Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary P Vaiphei, former State BJP president M Bhorot and Handlooms and Textiles Director L Lamlee Kamei attended the event.
Earlier, a ground breaking ceremony was held at Thongjao for a Modern Terracotta Crafts Project.