An interview with Koijam Ongbi Memcha Devi : National awardee of handloom products

Nganthoi Lourembam *

An interview with Koijam Ongbi Memcha Devi : National awardee of handloom products

Women of the society can take up the profession of handloom and handicrafts production as there is increase in demand of Manipur handloom products outside the state. 63 years old National merit awardee of handloom products, Koijam Ongbi Memcha Devi shared her thoughts and personal information in an interview taken by E-pao.net .

Here are the excerpts of the interview:

E-pao: Could you please share your personal information and a brief detail of your family background?
Memcha: I was born on 21st Sep, 1951 at Nongmeibung Langdaibung Makhong. In 1972, I got married to Koijam Ibohal Singh of Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal who is a former Superintendent of Forest department. I have four daughters and one son. All of them are married and they have completed their Masters' degree.

E-pao: Since when did you start weaving?
Memcha: When I was very small, my grandmother and mother used to weave clothes. My grandmother would sell the products, Iyong Phee (traditional handloom products) at the market and from the earning she sent her son for further education. Weaving was quite interesting to me. Following the steps of my grandmother and mother I started weaving since my childhood along with my studies.

E-pao: What handloom products they (grandmother and mother) used to make during your childhood?
Memcha: My grandmother used to make Congress Phee (traditional handloom products) which was white in colour and the edges were designed with Nongoubi Machu (dark red colour). And my mother used to make double bed sheets with different kind of designs - Likli, Tangkhul, Spring and Khongnet 11 along with Wankhei Phee products.

E-pao: For what kind of handloom products you received the national award and when?
Memcha: I became a National merit awardee in the year of 1996 for my handloom product, silk Saree which was cream in colour and designed with Khamenchatpa Mayek (the design which has been followed from the ancient times of kings and queens of the state). The product was sent for selection through Takyel Weaving Service centre.

E-pao: Have you displayed your designs in any state exhibitions?
Memcha: I have displayed my traditional Iyong Phee products in various state exhibitions. I have also received many prizes and recognitions for displaying my handloom products in the exhibitions.

Designs of handloom products by Koijam Ongbi Memcha Devi : National awardee of handloom products

E-pao: How many designs of handloom products have you weaved so far?
Memcha: Till now I have weaved mostly Silk Saree and Wangkhei Phee Marak Taibi designed with Lamthang Khulak Mayek, Khamenchatpa Hatpa and Ningkham Samjing Hatpa. Recently I have weaved Silk half Saree designed with flower.

E-pao: Being a National awardee in handloom product you are also an inspirational mother of five qualified children. What advice would you like to give to the women society of Manipur?
Memcha: Women of the state should not waste their precious time instead they can choose the profession of weaving. Students can also take up a course for Iyong Phee production whenever they have vacation or free time. The handloom products of Manipur are very famous outside the state and therefore by taking up the profession, the women society can preserve the handloom industry of the state.

E-pao: Apart from weaving what other hobbies do you have?
Memcha: Since my childhood I like knitting. I knitted pillow covers, bed sheets and woollen products. I had also attended a stitching class and for some period I stitched clothes too. I have also trained many youngsters regarding weaving handloom products.

E-pao: These-days people lack interest in weaving or knitting handloom products. What is your opinion regarding the preservation of Manipur handloom industry?
Memcha: I will continue my profession of handloom and handicraft production till the time I am strong enough to weave.

E-pao: To whom do you credit your achievements?
Memcha: The achievements are due to my hard work and teachings of my grandmother and mother. My husband and my beloved children also played a great role . So I credit them for my achievements.

E-pao: You look so young, what do you eat?
Memcha: (laughs) I mostly eat Kangsoi (boiled vegetables).

E-pao: There is a big issue of the state regarding the implementation of ILP system. In recent news students clashed with police personnel while marching a protest. What is your opinion regarding the same?
Memcha: I feel bad to hear such incidents. Students must concentrate on their education and I hope the government implements the ILP system in the state considering for the people of Manipur.

See a photo gallery of Koijam Ongbi Memcha Devi here