Imphal, January 07 2010: The state of Manipur is never short of the natural resources.

However, transforming such natural resources into finished products requires talented people and the state is no short of such people.

This is evident from the recently concluded 'HADO Crafts Bazaar' held in November last year where the bamboo made furniture items showcased there were highly demanded by the people.

Interestingly, the demand of bamboo made furniture items have gone up since then.

One Laishram England who is fit to be called Bamboo Guru who exhibited his bamboo products in the fair is therefore a breakthrough to utilize the natural resources of the state and exhibiting the talents of the people of the state and thereby generating incomes out of it.

While speaking to Waikhom Shyam of NNN, the artisan, Laishram England (35) s/o (L) khomeileima of Kontha Ahallup Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district who showcased his bamboo products in the last fair said that he got the platform from 'HADO Craft Bazaar' and he got the recognition from the fair.

He has been getting several orders of the bamboo furniture items since then, from various places in Imphal.

Laishram England or Bamboo Guru while revealing his success story stated that he had got the financial support from his relatives.

He showed gratitude to his elder brother, Lai Jiten, a popular singer of Manipur for supporting him financially and M.Babita, a former member of Zila Parishad, Imphal East.

She assisted him in buying the bamboos and tools and also in exhibiting the products made by him, added the artisan.

The inception of ideas of making bamboo furniture got struck in the year 2004 where a double sofa set was being made for 3 persons.

Currently he is working on several furniture items such as tables, sofa set, varieties of chairs, flower vase, television stands, cups set, tray and other items, stated the artisan.

While revealing the durability or longevity of the bamboo products, he stated that the products made in the year 2004 are still good.

"I have not yet completed the training on preserving the bamboos yet I am trying my best to preserve the bamboos", confessed England.

He also informed that selection of bamboos of good variety not affected by the insects and pests are also important in making such products.

The varieties of bamboos which are locally known as Maribob, KhokWa, Saneibi, Unan are the main items used in his work, stated the artisan.

Meanwhile, Laishram England rues that the bamboos which are abundant in the state have been exported to other states.

" It is the right time for the people of the state to comprehend the significance of such natural resources and make the best use out of the available resources," suggested Laishram England alias Bamboo Guru.

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