Manipur adds another feather to its cap through Moirangthem Muktamani

The northeast, which has over the years produced many talents, has added another feather to its cap through Moirangthem Muktamani Devi, who runs a wool knitted shoes unit, and is also actively involved in training local women.

Fifty-four-year-old Muktamani Devi is a well known artisan from Kakching, Manipur. She has won National and State level awards for her work.

In 1990, she established "Mukta Shoes Industry" in her locality. It was registered in DIC, Thoubal under wool and knitting embroidery section.

"I faced many hardships. Sometimes I felt very disappointed and I thought of giving up, but I worked very hard. Now, by the grace of God, I have become a successful entrepreneur," she said.

Muktamani has been participating in various exhibitions both in Manipur and outside the state, and has been appreciated for her work. In 1992, Muktamani began giving training to women of her locality.

So far, she has trained 1000 individuals without any help from the government. Her products are available in the market, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 800.

In 1993, she received the winner's prize at the All Manipur Industry Mela organized at Indira Park. She also won 16th position prize in Small Entrepreneurship in North East section.

In 2006 she received the MSME Prize from Jayram Ramesh at Delhi, and in 2009, Prime Minister Dr. Manmahon Singh honoured her with the same prize at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

In 2010 she received the state award for handicrafts too.

" For me it is very good because many unemployed youth get an opportunity to work here, and with what we earn we can take care of our family's expenses. Even though the income is limited, but it helps us earn a livelihood," said Moirangthem Rakesh Singh, an artisan.

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Muktamani is not just another successful artisan but also someone who has transformed the lives of many underprivileged women by training them and making them financially independent.

Today, Muktamani is one of the most sought-after designers of patterns for wool knitted shoes products in Manipur.