Young woman comes of age as a calligrapher
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2026: Like English and many other languages, Dina Konsam, a 29-year-old woman, has expressed her desire to create beautiful calligraphy in Meitei Mayek to promote the script through artistic expression.

A resident of Hei-rangoithong Ningthemcha Karong and the second daughter of Konsam Khelen and Konsam ongbi Sunita, Dina has had a passion for beautiful handwriting since childhood.

However, as the market for calligraphy is still limited, the young woman has diversified her skills by creating handmade cards, key chains, engraved items, and handwritten letters, certificates, and chronological displays.

Young woman comes of age as a calligrapher

Her handmade cards and other customised products have attracted clients from several States, including Gujarat, Kerala, Nagaland, and Delhi.

Dina aspires to establish herself as a well-known calligrapher and to promote the art of calligraphy through her work.

She also expressed her desire to launch a YouTube channel to showcase and promote her work.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Dina said she has had a passion for beautiful handwriting since childhood.

She said that one of her teachers at Little Flower School and her brother Konsam Sheetaljit encouraged her to pursue calli- graphy.

Dina reiterated that she has enjoyed experimenting with different styles of handwriting as a hobby since childhood.

Saying that she began researching calligraphy while pursuing a BSc in Agriculture at RIMT in Punjab, she added that her brother has been her greatest source of support throughout her journey.

According to Dina, she would often send her handwritten words in different calligraphy styles to her brother, who would then upload them on social media, helping her work reach a wider audience.

She said she created her Instagram account in 2019 to showcase her work.

However, at the time, she said she had little knowledge of the tools and techniques used in calligraphy.

Dina said she specialises in copperplate and modern calligraphy, adding that mastering fundamental strokes is essential for creating consistent and professional-looking lettering.

She explained that calligraphy comprises a variety of strokes, each of which plays a crucial role in forming elegant letters.

She also pointed out that cursive handwriting and calligraphy are distinct forms of writing.

Dina said she received her first paid calligraphy assignment when the Vice Chancellor of her university commissioned her to design invitation cards for a university function.

She further recalled getting an opportunity to create mirror signage for the Olang Festival, a cultural festival organised by students of RIMT from North East India.

Dina also said that she has had a passion for floral art and sketching since childhood.

She said that she never considered pursuing calligraphy as a career while she was a student.

Dina said she finally decided to take calligraphy seriously in line with her passion for the art.

Recalling when people began appreciating her work, she said a social media post featuring Emoinu Eratpa written in Meitei Mayek went viral in 2024 .

She added that she began uploading the lyrics of classic Manipuri songs in Meitei Mayek, which received appreciation from many people.

Dina said her brother and a video editor, Khelen Nongthombam, have been instrumental in helping her share and promote her works on social media.

Recalling an incident when a client did not return after she quoted Rs 5 per invitation card for a wedding, Dina said she later gained more clients after meeting RK Purnashree, the founder of Solitaire, a company engaged in selling greeting and invitation cards.

Speaking about the difficulties of being a calligrapher in Manipur, Dina said that the market for the art is still limited, while calligraphy tools are expensive and difficult to find in the State.

Dina added that, for the time being, she spends most of her earnings on procuring additional tools and materials to improve her craft.