Padmashri Awardee Sasa felicitated
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Imphal, February 19 2024:
Tangkhul Mayar Nga -la Long (TMNL) and Ukhrul for Sustainable Development (UfSD) jointly felicitated Padma Shri awardee Machihan Sasa at Ukhrul town hall on Monday.
Attending the event, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah congratulated Sasa on receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award and also spoke highly of Sasa's contribution to preservation and promotion of Longpi black pottery.
"The Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian awards in India, was long overdue to Sasa, who has dedicated his life to promoting the traditional craft of Longpi black pottery," he said.
The MLA stated: "The Tangkhul community, as a whole, owes a lot to Machihan Sasa for keeping the Craft alive.
His dedication and hard work have ensured that this traditional art form is not lost forever" .
He also shared the story of how he as an MLA did his mite in helping Sasa get nominated for the award after receiving a recommendation from UfSD in 2022 .
This award is the result of the collaboration, he noted.
Zanyo Varam, convenor of UfSD shared their experience of working to help Machihan Sasa who had approached them for recommendation for the award.
However, they were not aware of the process and requirements for the award.
Hence, the UfSD approached MLA Ram Muivah, seeking his help and guidance which led to fulfilment of Sasa's dream.
Themreichan Sharon, executive member of UfSD related how Machihan Sasa quit his studies after Class V and began his journey as a dedicated potter early in his life.
Machihan Sasa has not only preserved this traditional art form but also introduced more items and contemporary designs to cater to the modern market, Sharon added.