"Leina ga Nungthang ga" (Petals and Hammer) documentary released
Najma sings paeans to spirit of Manipuri women
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 20 2019: Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has stated that for the empowered women of the State, the need of the hour is to give due recognition to their talents and abilities.

The Governor was speaking during the release function of the documentary film entitled 'Leina ga Nungthang ga (Petals and Hammer)' organized by Resource-a Community Development Initiative, Manipur, at Raj Bhavan, today.

Speaking at the function, the Governor said that Manipur is widely known for its rich culture heritage, arts and traditions and the State's unique handloom and handicraft is a testament to the 4000 years old civilization.

'Leina ga Nungthang ga' (Petals and Hammer) documentary released

The rich traditional craftsmanship of the indigenous people has been passed down the generations through the skilful artisans.

Recorded as early as 1074, in the Royal Chronicle 'Loiyumba Shinyen', the Manipuri society is stated to be well organized along the lines of their professional calling and practices, she added.

Speaking about the documentary film, the Governor said that it is an attempt to capture the development of the age old tradition of jewellery practised by the women artisans of the Kangabam family.

Assigned the work of jewellery, the womenfolk of these families took full part in jewellery making in addition to their household chores, she added.

She also said that the film deals with women empowerment, an issue close to her heart.

Manipuri women have been socially independent enjoying economic freedom.

The 'Ima Keithel' stands tall, as a symbol of women empowerment.

It is the largest all women market in Asia, constituting around 4,000 women vendors carrying out various economic activities.

The Governor also initiated an interaction programme to help the women vendors of the market with financial institutions and banks in the State for availing financial assistance, loans or grants under different schemes of the Government.

It is also reported that many vendors are enjoying the financial facility now, so the women jewellers present here can also avail the same benefits, she added.

The Governor said that the documentary film produced by Iswari Haobam, inculcates the rich ethos of Manipuri women to the younger generation, besides empowering women.

It will certainly encourage the artisans and enhance the development of traditional jewellery apart from improving their livelihood and empowering themselves in the society.

She expressed confidence that the Resource-a Community Development Initiative will keep producing valuable traditional documentary films which will help in elevating the standard of documentary films in the State.

The function was also attended by IPR Minister Th Biswajit Singh as guest of honour and Dr Bhabeswar Tongbram, Chairman by Resource- a Community Development Initiative, Manipur as president.

Many eminent film personalities were also present as well.