Brisk sale marks 'HopeFest' for displaced people
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 14 2023:
Hope Fest, a two-day event organised by Imphal Buzz with the objective to give a new hope to people affected and displaced due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state, has concluded on Saturday.
Four individuals, namely Swati Thounaojam, Jennifer Wangkhem, Lenin Kshetrimayum and Bidyananda Loukrakpam played main role in organising the Hope Fest with support from several volunteers at Sappho Beauty and Wellness Centre, Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai on Friday and Saturday.
Main programmes of the event conducted in the first floor of the centre include therapeutics dialogue for displaced people in the age group of 18 to 35 years under the guidance of psychologist T Sunitibala; career counselling and skill development workshop conducted by JCRE Global College head Heisnam Lakeshwar; interaction with film artistes Danube Kangjam, Daya Ksh & Ratna Ksh, and folk singer Chaoba Thiyam; awareness on Dengue; and career counselling and skill guidance programme by film actors RK Kaiku and Soma Laishhram.
Handicraft products made by displaced people living in different relief camps such as Porompat, Sajiwa, Khuman Lampak, Mekola, Keibi, Chingmeirong and Moirang, were sold on the ground floor.
Several individuals and families visited the Hope Fest and bought the products as a mark of encouragement to the displaced people.
The products include candle, incense sticks, dish wash, floor wash, artificial flower, flower vase, painting, wall hanging, apparel, woollen hats, shoes, toys, bamboo stools and food items.
According to the salesmen (displaced people), the items were sold with the objective to provide income generating opportunity to the displaced people with the rate fixed fairly.
Though some visitors returned without buying citing high price, many bought at the asking price, they said while thanking Imphal Buzz for providing the platform.
The main organisers said that the event was conducted with funds contributed by different individuals through a WhatsApp group.
During the event, each stalls were able to sell products worth Rs 4000 to Rs 10,000 a day.
They thanked Likla Bakery for sponsoring snacks and drinking water.
Informing that they are encouraged to organise similar events in the near future, they urged for continued support in future too.