L Subadini Devi, a resident of Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai in Imphal East district, is the proud recipient of Sant Kabir Award for her contribution towards the handloom sector.
She received the prestigious award from the President in July this year.
Born to a traditional weaver's family, Subadini has been engaged in the craft for more than 50 years.
She has participated in a number of exhibitions and has received numerous awards for excellence in handloom, including a national award for textile designing.
L Subadini Devi, National Awardee said, "I want to uplift the handloom and handicraft sector and create more job opportunities for unemployed woman, especially those who work as daily wage labourer. It will help contribute a lot to the state economy."
Subadini started Nongdon Lairembi Wool Knitting Cum Embroidery Centre in 1984 and produces Sarees, kwang phanek, bed cover, marriage sets and a cotton sheet called Ningtham Samjin.
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Presently, she employs six artisans at the Centre and several other weavers work from different places under her guidance.
She collects the finished products from them and sells them herself.
She also trains many underprivileged women with an aim to provide them skills and make them self-reliant.
Artisan Meratombi Devi said, "I came here to learn embroidery and be self reliant. I earn some money while working at the Centre which I use for running my household."
Manipur has a rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts.
The effort of artisans like Subadini Devi to preserve the art forms is highly commendable.