Padma winner treasures doll-making zeal
Source: Chronicle News Service / Oinam Mission

Imphal, February 02 2022: A doll placed in an inconspicuous corner of a porch belonging to a poor family in Nandeibam Leikai of Imphal East District was recently conferred the Padmashri award, one of the highest civilian awards in the country.

Konsam Ibomcha is an artisan well known for his efforts in reviving the traditional art of making dolls and toys (Lai-Phadibi) .

Despite not having the means of setting up even a work shed due to poverty, Ibomcha continued to carry on his father's legacy of traditional doll making from a corner of a porch of his home.

He was finally awarded for his efforts as he was conferred the prestigious Padmashri award a few days ago.

Ibomcha was born to (L) Konsam Tona and Konsam ongbi Gambhini on March 15, 1962, as their ninth child out of 10 kids (5 boys, 5 girls).

After graduating with a degree in Arts, Ibomcha married Chandrima and became father to 2 daughters and 1 son.

His father Konsam Tona was a national awardee in the field of dolls and toys making, while his mother Gambhini is also national awardee in Kouna crafts.

In a tete-a-tete with The People's Chronicle on his thoughts on being conferred the Padmashri, Ibomcha expressed his elation on receiving one of the country's highest civilian honours, adding that all his sufferings became moot at the moment when he was informed of the recognition conferred to him.

Ibomcha recounted that he joined his father in the traditional art of making dolls and toys.

All 5 males in his family are well-versed in this art and have won many state awards in this field.

However, they gave up this field after getting government jobs and other'work, leaving him the only one to continue the tradition.

He recalled: "Shortly after getting married, my father passed away.

After this, I continued to look after the family by making dolls and toys.

However, there were many difficult times due to lack of income.

I almost gave up many times and thought of taking up other job.

H owever, as this was a craft cherished and taught by my father and I also had the wish to preserve this traditional art, I continued to persevere.

My work shed was set up in small incon spicuous corner of the porch and as I was the only worker, I could not mass produce.

Thus, many inconveniences were experienced from time to time.

"Although there was time when the doll and toy making occupation yielded almost zero income, the demand for the same suddenly increased in late 2010 .

At present, it is a trend to gift the dolls.

Previously, there were demands for Radha-Krishna and Khamba-Thoibi dolls, but now the demands ranges from items related to Manipuri tradition and culture, particularly Pung-Yeiba and Pena-Khongba to traditional attire of different communities.

This traditional art has now become an essential part in establishing the culture, art and custom of the state.

Thus, there is huge demand for the same from other states and abroad," he added.

Informing that he makes the dolls and toys according to the demands of the customer, Ibomcha said that the designs for the clothes worn by the dolls are made by his wife.

The base for the dolls is formed with straw and metal wire, after which a mixture of clay and jute is plastered and then the structure is treated with an old cloth and fire.

The height of the doll can range from 10 inch to life size as per demand.

The price for a 10-inch doll is around Rs 10,000, while a life-size commands about Rs 50,000 and as such, the income is stable at present.

The only issue is he is the only one working amidst the high demands, he said, while adding that he is able to earn Rs 20,000-30,000 in one month.

Stating that there are only 2-3 traditional dolls and toy makers in the state, Ibomcha noted that the art is in danger of disappearing.

Thus, he wished for the government authority to look into the matter.

"Previously, no one liked the occupation because of the low income.

However, with hard work and dedication, one can earn decent income in this held," he emphasized, while assuring to extend all possible support to any young person wanting to learn this traditional art.

If Konsam Ibomcha had given up the field due to poverty back then, he would not have won the Padmashri today.

He has proven the age-old mantra that hard work and dedication will reap success in one way or another.

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