AIMS promotes sustainable livelihoods
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07 2025:
A major milestone in the process of restoring the livelihoods of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Churachandpur and Moreh was achieved today at Kombirei House, Palace Compound, Imphal.
The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur hosted a "Rebuilding Livelihoods Through Handcraft by Providing Cane and Bamboo Support" programme, conducted by the Manipuri Elders' Consortium Shillong (MECS) .
According to a release issued by AIMS, the event aimed to empower 50 participants who had earlier undergone 30-day Cane and Bamboo Processing Training conducted at Manipur University from October 1�30, 2024 funded by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC), under the North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER, Government of India, in collaboration with AIMS and the Department of Forestry, Manipur University.
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Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, president AIMS, gave the welcome address and Dr Atom Sunil Singh, director of AIMS highlighted the practical challenges faced by displaced artisans and emphasised the potential of cane & bamboo crafts in enhancing economic resilience.
Chief guest of the programme, Dr RK Nimai Singh, retired IAS officer, underlined the importance of sustainable livelihood solutions, urging participants to use their newly-gained skills in cane and bamboo craft for income generation and community resilience.
Guest of honour, Dr S Manikanta Singh, retired Additional Director of Health Services, Manipur, spoke about the therapeutic benefit of taking up handcraft work, and how it had a positive effect on mental health and emotional well-being.
Prof H Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Lamphelpat, expressed deep empathy for those who have suffered and emphasised the collective responsibility to rebuild trust, harmony, and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Ningthoujam Munish Singh, President, MECS and Zonal Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Northeast Region; N Kumarjit Singh, Associate Professor, JNIMS, were also present at the event.