Tabitha Tarao : Wife and mom who earns by dint of sheer hard work
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 09 2017: Tabitha Tarao, a 40 year-old craftsperson from Khuringmol village of Chandel district in Manipur is one woman who exemplifies the embodiment of many values in a person.

She is a wife and an earning mother who supports her children's education and also provides for her hearth by making use of her skill.

Fairs/exhibitions provide good platforms to showcase her products but Tabitha feels the Government can do much more for artisans like her so that skilled workers will feel encouraged .

She said that at a time like this when employment opportunities in the Government sectors are becoming less encouraging artisans/craftspersons will be another measure to reduce the burden of the society.

Tabitha Tarao is participating in the ongoing Regional SARAS Fair at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen in Imphal organised by Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission .

Tabitha Tarao : Wife and mom who earns by dint of sheer hard work

Talking to Newmai News Network today, Tabitha said that she started helping her parents in earning for the family's need by making simple baskets and other articles by using cane at the tender age of seven.

Sitting at stall number 43 which is christened as “Maleena SHG”, grinning Tabitha expressed hope that everything will go well this time.

Her stall was among those which were damaged by storm in last year's fair .

Tabitha Tarao passed Class 12 but could not continue her studies due to acute poverty.

However, such disappointment did not deter her spirit to endeavour for a better life.

Tabitha said she had participated at various State and National level exhibitions since she was 20 .

Tabitha said one of her children studies in New Delhi.

She said that she sends every month money to her son who is doing Bachelor of Technician (Medical).

"I spend about Rs 48,000 per year on my son's education," Tabitha said .

According to Tabitha, she designs different types from articles made of bamboo and cane.

She can design about 20 different types of decorative articles.

Tabitha said that she had participated in about 10 State and National level exhibitions/fairs.

Her goods are quite popular today.

The prices of her items range from as low as Rs 15 to as high as Rs 2000.She designs flower vase, bamboo box, tray and baskets.

According to Tabitha, she can complete certain items in 30 minutes.

On average, she takes three to four days to complete an item .

Tabitha said that her most enjoyable moment came in during exhibition in Rajasthan as cane and bamboo products are highly demanded in that State.