Manipuri women have proved their mettle in various fields. A young talented artisan here designs ornaments and other articles to promote and preserve tribal handicrafts.
22-year-old Limpuiru Gangmei, who hails from Manipur, designs different kinds of ornaments and hair bands made of beads, shell, stone and boar tusks in line with the traditional handicrafts of Zeliangrong community.
After completing a short course on fashion designing, Gangmei started her own venture with her two sisters.
Since childhood, she always wanted to do something creative and promote her tribe's traditional handicrafts.
In 2004, she established 'Limpuiru Tribal Handicraft Collections' at New Checkon.
"It's been three to four years that I am engaged in this business and local people order my product but I haven't gone outside much. Recently, I participated at Sangai festival and then I also participated in Kohima International trade expo, MP khajuraho and Imphal Trade Expo. So far I have participated in fairs four times," Gangmei said.
She exhibited her product at Sangai festival recently where she received a good response and her work was appreciated by many.
The ornaments created by Gangmei are worn especially by women during Gaan Ngai festival or similar auspicious occasions.
Apart from ornaments, she also sells traditional costumes like shawl, wrap around skirt, scarf etc.
She is now planning to expand her business and wishes to open a showroom in near future.
"There is a lot of demand. Sometime it depends on the season. During Gaan Ngai festival we get many orders and after Gaan Ngai festival, there is some other festival during which we get lots of orders as well," said Gangmei.
The siblings are more than happy to present their traditional handicraft before the world.
"I'm happy to work with my sister. We do not have fix hour to work but we work till as we wish," said Gangmei's sister.
Gangmei is a successful artisan, who with her sheer hard work promotes her tribe's rich handicrafts.
The success story of this young artisan is an inspiration to many youngsters in the region.
