Women in Imphal are earning handsomely by engaging in traditional embroidery work. The credit for this goes to Ranjana Devi, who has been providing training to women in order to make them self-reliant.
These women come together every day to learn traditional hand embroidery under the guidance of Ranjana Devi, who runs the popular Ranjana Emporium.
At present, 20 women are undergoing training at the work shed at Wangkhei Thambalkhong and produce bed sheets, pillow covers, curtains, sarees and other clothes.
After completion of training, the students can either continue working at the emporium or work from home.
"After learning embroidery work I will definitely get some benefit. I am interested in starting my own knitting and designing work," said Renubala Chanu, a trainee.
" I feel good to work here because I quit studies sometime back. Instead of staying at home it's good to earn money through embroidery work,' added Thouchom Victoria Devi, another trainee.
50-year-old Ranjana Devi, who is one of the most sought-after handloom designers in Manipur, has empowered over a thousand women.
She has her own Emporium at Sagolband Moirang Leirak in Imphal West where she sells a variety of products.
Her handmade items are high on demand amongst the locals, as well as outside the state.
She has received numerous awards, including the successful women entrepreneurship award for the year 2013.
" In Manipur, the handloom and handicrafts sector contributes significantly towards the state's economy and it provides employment to many youth," said Ranjana Devi.
Ranjana not only provides employment to the womenfolk, but also helps promote the traditional hand embroidery of Manipur in other parts of the country.
