Statue of Dr Lamabam Kamal ready for unveiling
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 04 2014:
Sculptor Oinam Mangi, who is a National Awardee, has now come up with a well-designed statue carving from stone in loving memory of poet and writer Dr Lamabam Kamal without assistance from any quarters.
In a tete-a-tete with Hueiyen Lanpao, 65-year old Mangi who hails from Toupokpi Ward No 2 in Bishnupur district said that he has been in the profession since 1983 .
"I was the first to register under Co-operative Society in the year 1985 for which I was awarded a sum of Rs 10, 000.This was followed by Bapu Sagat Jiban Award and Dr Ambedkar Award in recognition of my contribution towards the art of sculpture though the awards carry only certificate.
As far as the cash prize goes, I had received a cash reward of Rs 10000 from the State side'', he said.
Mangi stated that he started making statue from 1885.Since then he has produced many statues for display and sale in various fairs and has also received orders from interested persons.
Maintaining that demand for making statue has now soar up with orders coming up from different parts of the State and beyond, Mangi said that there is no warranty to statue made by carving from stone even though they are water resistant.
He informed that the statue of Dr Kamal measures 6 � feet in height and is slated to be erected inside the Manipur University campus in remembrance of the late great poet and writer.
''The statue has been prepared without any assistance from others.
Only my son and some locals extended helps in making it which now requires only finishing touch before it can get unveiled.
The massive stone from which the statue has been carved out was taken from Kumbi Naopa also known as Lai Maton on December 13, 2013 and the work was started from March 3, which is the birth anniversary of Dr Kamal'', Mangi added.