Overcoming Disability: Manipuri Woman Wins National Handicrafts Award for Exquisite Hand Embroidery

Yengkhom (O) Indira Devi receives the National Handicrafts Awards from President Droupadi Murmu

New Delhi:

Yengkhom (O) Indira Devi, a resident of Manipur's Kakching district, lives with 80 percent locomotor disability due to a paralysis caused by a tumour. When her movement became restricted, she began working on small hand embroidery projects such as knitting on handkerchiefs, pillow and bed covers as a hobby, according to her family.

In 2014, Indira Devi experienced another setback when she suffered rib and leg injuries in a severe car-bus collision that claimed the life of one of the drivers, her family reports.

Following this second tragedy, Indira Devi, unable to walk, channeled all her energy into her hand embroidery work. She has continued to excel in this craft ever since, as her family proudly shares.

On Tuesday, she was among the talented artisans from across India who received the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 from President Droupadi Murmu.

Three artisans from Manipur were honored with the prestigious National Handicrafts Award by President Murmu: Laishram Memicha, Yengkhom (O) Indira Devi, and A Bimola Devi.

Dressed elegantly in a light blue saree, Indira Devi smiled for photographers from her wheelchair. She proudly held her award for 'Divyang Artisan - Hand Embroidery' in her lap. While her fellow Manipuri recipients were also celebrated, Indira Devi's journey of perseverance through challenging circumstances garnered significant admiration.

"My mother is extremely happy. This recognition means everything to her. She traveled to Delhi specifically for this award," shared Indira Devi's daughter, Anu, speaking to NDTV by phone from Imphal.

Before achieving national recognition, Indira Devi had already received several state awards for her intricate cloth embroideries. Her most notable work is an embroidered depiction of sagol kangjei, or polo.

"I discovered that sagol kangjei originated in ancient Manipur and has now gained popularity worldwide. I chose to embroider this scene because I wanted to preserve and celebrate this traditional game," explains Indira Devi.

Her detailed embroidery portrays three men from the Meitei community in traditional polo attire, riding local ponies and competing to strike a ball with raised mallets for maximum impact. The artwork features pastel colors and a distinctively Manipuri backdrop with distant hills.

For this sagol kangjei piece, Indira Devi utilized a large white cloth, three circular frames of varying sizes, 25 sewing needles, and approximately 80 rolls of yarn.

"The project required five months to complete," the skilled artisan and mother of two explains.

Indira Devi mentions she is the fifth among six siblings, with two brothers and four sisters. Her father, Kshetrimayum Iboyaima Singh, was recognized for his exceptional carpentry skills and received a state award for woodcrafts.

She holds a Master's degree equivalent from the prestigious Hindustani music institution, Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Looking ahead, Indira Devi hopes to form a group to connect with differently abled individuals interested in learning handicrafts either as a hobby or as a means of livelihood.

During the awards ceremony, President Murmu emphasized that handicrafts represent not only India's cultural identity but also provide crucial livelihood opportunities.

"This sector employs over 3.2 million people. The majority of those deriving employment and income from handicrafts reside in rural or remote areas. The sector promotes inclusive development through decentralized employment and income generation," she stated.

President Murmu added that India's centuries-old handicrafts tradition remains vibrant and preserved thanks to the dedication of artisans across generations.

She further noted that handicrafts not only provide artisans with a livelihood but also bring them recognition and respect in society. The development of this sector strengthens women's empowerment, as women constitute 68 percent of the handicraft workforce.