The man who innovates seamless Bamboo furniture

Fifteen years back Ibomcha use to read Taiwan catalogue and magazine on Bamboo. One time president of All Manipur Entrepreneur Association Rishikumar gifted him the catalogue which was enriching. He kept on thinking of making Bamboo furniture but could not materialize. He recollected all his efforts and finally ventured into making Bamboo furniture.

By James Khangenbam, Imphal 28/06/2023

Bamboo furniture
Pic by James Bamboo furniture

His bamboo products are seamless. In a chair he uses eight nuts in the bottom area and 4 nuts in the upper part. It could be exported in any part of the world as it is built for easy transportation and could be assembled with the nuts when the furniture reaches the destined place of export. In the round table furniture he uses three nuts down and three nuts at the upper part. The furniture are quite strong and many have bought from him since the last many years. 

Bamboo furniture

Chair, Table, Portable Mirror Stand, Tray, Mementoes, in a seamless set up. All of them are folding and could be dismantled. A Round table and three chair set took one week to complete.

He is working on his latest design a chess board with colour pattern originally from the   Bamboo texture arranged in 64 squares with an eight by eight grid.
He is searching for craftsman who can Bamboo design the 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns

Why Bamboo furniture

According to Khwairakpam Ibocha bamboo surface has shining property unlike woods. He is trying to make furniture like doors and window. He has successfully fixed two bamboo surfaces together to thicken the board as doors needs to be thick. If his work shed is more mechanized it will be more productive. It is half manual and half machine as of now.

In Countries like Thailand and China Bamboo work sheds are mechanize so they have same size and uniform products. Cost of a Bamboo Board imported from China and marketed in Kolkata cost Rs250 per square feet.
He is making bamboo hard boards with 2 inch: 2 inch thick bamboo boards joined together surface to surface. Thus a 4 inches thick bamboo board is ready to materialize in a grand and strong furniture.

He uses a Fevicol company glue Pur ‘to join the surfaces together.  Pur saves time. Earlier a normal Fevicol glue took five hours to stick two bamboo pieces together. In 20 degree Celsius temperature it stick in 60 min, 40 degree Celsius took half an hour. If fixed in 60 degree Celsius temp it can be done in 10 minutes.

Now I can stick two surfaces in 45 minutes with the new gum of Fevicol Company says Ibomcha who was working in his work shed when Manipur Times interacted him.

Bamboo treatment

Bamboo are harvested in mera’ season and dip in water for a month and dried in sun. This is indigenous method and time consuming.

Chemical treatment is modern as found in various newsletter. He uses boric acid and borex in the ratio of one times of boric acid and one and half borex. In 200 litres of water 500 ml Boric acid is added and 750 mg of Borex in 200 liters of water. After the two samples are mixed He dips the bamboo for three hours.

He innovated a method by making water mixture in a mobil drum and he uses steam bath method by boiling the mixture and treating with the steam. This is how he treats his Bamboo. It proves good as it takes away the water content in steam bath.  Thus the bamboo do not get shrink from the water content for a longer time.

So far Ibocha has officially trained 20 people under the sponsorship of Commerce and Industries Department Government of Manipur. The government sanctioned Rupees one lakh and ninety thousand for the training.

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MTV Europe Music Awardee – Alobo Naga and the Band from North East

By James Khangenbam ,Imphal 25/06/2023

“In 2010, I released my first album. I was into solo project. I invited lots of musicians to play for one of my concert. There were around 70 artists coming and playing. These guys were all in different bands, they helped me in the concert. It was like everyone was playing in different bands but we felt that was the calling, we thought that was what we were looking for, we stick from there. The paper wrote Alobo Naga and the band, our band name is derived from the quote.” Alobo Naga the lead singer.

Turning point

The band got an opportunity to write a song for an international short film festival in Guwahati. The band manager got their deal in 2010.  A song titled ‘Painted Dreams’ was submitted and the band got an offer to make a video. That was how the popular video music Painted Dream was made.

“We were like just another band from North East. From there people started appreciating our music video and it was featured in International channel VH 1. Next moment we show ourselves in International Top 10. There were bands like lady gaga and all those stuffs. We were looking and we felt like wow. At first we were in top 8, next week it clinched to top 4. Then the song was nominated for the European music award. There were five bands from India. There was a voting thing happening and we won the vote. The winner from India was nominated for the world music there we could not win. Winning in India was a great thing for us” – Alobo Naga

Alobo Naga and the Band have clinched the Best Indian Act MTV Europe Music Award in 2012 and it has inspired the bands in the North East so far.

Concerts

The band has performed in Hyderabad, Calcutta, Delhi and many other places in India. Aboard they have performed in Singapore, Indonesia etc.

Band bond

“We are all guys in the family and our family gave us time to follow our dreams when we are on tour. We are all from different family background, the common point is we are good friends, best of friend; we have a very good chemistry, so that is very important in the band. Even if you are really talented, many bands break up. The Chemistry the ego whatever it is like differences. All of us have differences but at the end of the day we know how to compromise. The friendship is bigger than the music that’s why it works and the songs are. See we are very fortunate like everyone is talented. If one of our band member brings us a song. Everyone do our own part. He plays the guitar, he plays the bass, the drummer will beat and I start composing the melody,” say the band members.

Alobo Naga and the band focus on social cause issues. All our songs are something to do with hope, faith, love. Painted dreams are about telling someone if you believe you can achieve your dreams. All you need to do is just pray and work hard. We keep it simple and go straight to the message” says the young and sweet smiling Alobo Naga.

My father bought me a guitar.

I am Fung Walling and I play bass guitar. I have been in lots of band. ‘Blended for him’ was my last band. During my college days, we were quite popular, those days we were in gospel band. I was really into music from a very small age. My dad bought me a guitar when I was eight and that is how I started playing. My dad and mom they love music. That was very encouraging. My father supported me my mom was nagging and wants a government job. My music career was because of my dad. I take music as a career I can say that now. Message to youth –  “ have fun because life is short, have fun but in a good way ”

Akhum Jams – lead Guitarists

“We support vocal as well, every member in the band sings. I learn to play guitar from my mother when in tender age. She loves singing. She was my inspiration. 14 years old. I have been in Churches playing music for 3 years. I was playing in metal band call Melodrama. Actually won the MTV campus rock idol. And I happen to join the Alobo Naga and the Band.
We are here and we are doing what we love to do because of our parents, their encouragement and support. There are days to come, years to come for a music lover like us”.

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How to earn 1 lakh online?

Learn how to get started and achieve your target income. Read on to discover practical tips and strategies for earning a good income online.

By Banti Phurailatpam 1 May, Imphal:

How to earn 1 lakh online?

The web has upset the manner in which we work and carry on with work. In the computerized age, bringing in a lot of cash online has turned into a reasonable and feasible objective. The quantity of internet based positions and open doors is expanding quickly, and with the right methodology, anybody can procure 1 lakh on the web. In this article, we will talk about different ways of bringing in cash on the web and how to accomplish the objective of procuring 1 lakh on the web

Outsourcing

Web based instructing is one more famous method for bringing in cash on the web. Many individuals are keen on acquiring new abilities, and they will pay for quality web-based courses. On the off chance that you have mastery in a specific subject, you can make online courses and sell them on stages like Udemy, Skill share, Workable, and so on.
To begin web based educating, you really want to pick a subject that you are great at, and you want to make a course that covers the subject inside and out. You can utilize different apparatuses, for example, video addresses, tests, and tasks to make your course really captivating and intelligent. Whenever you have made your course, you can transfer it to a web-based stage and begin offering it to understudies around the world.

The way to outcome in outsourcing is to convey top notch work, fulfill time constraints, and keep up with great correspondence with clients. As a consultant, you can procure anyplace from a couple hundred rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon your abilities and how much work you take on.

Web based instructing

Web based instructing is one more famous method for bringing in cash on the web. Many individuals are keen on acquiring new abilities, and they will pay for quality web-based courses. On the off chance that you have mastery in a specific subject, you can make online courses and sell them on stages like Udemy, Skill share, Workable, and so on.
To begin web based educating, you really want to pick a subject that you are great at, and you want to make a course that covers the subject inside and out. You can utilize different apparatuses, for example, video addresses, tests, and tasks to make your course really captivating and intelligent. Whenever you have made your course, you can transfer it to a web-based stage and begin offering it to understudies around the world.

The way to outcome in web based instructing is to make top notch courses that proposition worth to understudies. You likewise need to showcase your courses really to contact a more extensive crowd. As a web-based instructor, you can procure anyplace from two or three thousand rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon the notoriety of your courses.

Offshoot promoting

Partner promoting is a famous method for bringing in cash online without selling any items or administrations. Partner advertisers advance items or administrations presented by different organizations, and they procure a commission for each deal made through their offshoot interface.
To begin partner promoting, you want to find a specialty that you are keen on, and you want to find items or administrations that are pertinent to that specialty. You can join member programs presented by different organizations, like Amazon, Flipkart, and so on. Whenever you have joined a member program, you can advance the items or administrations through your site, web-based entertainment, or email promoting.

The way to outcome in partner showcasing is to advance items or administrations that proposition worth to your crowd. You likewise need to fabricate entrust with your crowd by giving significant substance and fair audits. As a partner advertiser, you can procure anyplace from a couple thousand rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon the quantity of deals made through your member connect.

Contributing to a blog

Writing for a blog is a famous method for bringing in cash online by making content on a specific specialty. Bloggers make content as articles, recordings, digital broadcasts, and so on, and they bring in cash through different adaptation techniques, for example, promoting, offshoot advertising, supported content, and so on.
To begin contributing to a blog, you really want to pick a specialty that you are keen on and energetic about. You ought to likewise lead examination to guarantee that the specialty is productive and has an adequate crowd. Whenever you have picked a specialty, you can make a blog utilizing stages like WordPress, Blogger, and so forth.

To draw in a group of people, you want to make great substance that offers some benefit to your perusers. You ought to likewise streamline your substance for web search tools by utilizing significant catchphrases, meta labels, and portrayals. Whenever you have fabricated a crowd of people, you can adapt your blog through different techniques, for example, promoting, subsidiary advertising, supported content, and so on.

The way to outcome in writing for a blog is to make top notch content reliably and fabricate a drew in crowd. You additionally need to advertise your blog actually through web-based entertainment, email promoting, and different channels. As a blogger, you can procure anyplace from a couple thousand rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon the traffic and adaptation strategies utilized.

Internet selling

Internet selling is a famous method for bringing in cash online by selling items or administrations through web based business stages like Amazon, Flipkart, Shopify, and so on. You can sell actual items like apparel, hardware, or advanced items, for example, digital books, courses, programming, and so on.
To begin web based selling, you want to pick an item or administration that you are enthusiastic about and has an adequate interest. You can make your own internet business site or sell through outsider stages like Amazon or Flipkart. Whenever you have set up your web-based store, you want to improve your item pages for web search tools, utilize great item pictures, and give astounding client assistance.

The way to progress in web based selling is to give great items and administrations, upgrade your web-based store for web crawlers, and give fantastic client assistance. As a web-based merchant, you can procure anyplace from two or three thousand rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon the interest for your items or administrations.

Online overviews

Online overviews are a famous method for bringing in cash online by imparting your insights with statistical surveying organizations. Statistical surveying organizations lead reviews to assemble input from shoppers, and they pay members for their time and suppositions.
To take part in web-based reviews, you want to pursue overview sites like Swagbucks, Toluna, and so on. Whenever you have joined, you will get overview solicitations through email, and you can finish the studies in your leisure time. The installment for each study differs, yet you can hope to procure two or three hundred rupees for every review.

The way to progress in web-based studies is to routinely pursue various review sites and complete overviews. As a member, you can procure anyplace from two or three thousand rupees to a few lakhs each month, contingent upon the quantity of studies finished.

Conclusion

Procuring 1 lakh online is feasible on the off chance that you will invest the energy and follow a trained methodology. Outsourcing, internet instructing, associate advertising, contributing to a blog, web based selling, and online studies are a portion of the famous ways of bringing in cash on the web. To make progress, you want to pick a specialty that you are keen on, make top notch content, form a drew in crowd, and market your web-based business really. With steadiness and devotion, anybody can procure 1 lakh on the web and fabricate an effective internet based business.

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The observance of 132nd Khongjom Day at Khebaching, Khongjom War Memorial Complex

Pic Source Social Media

Paid humble tributes to commemorate the heroes who were martyred at the battle against the invading Britishers during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The sacrifice made by our forefathers continues to instil the sense of patriotism and nationalism.

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Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal 

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has stressed on the need for the Centre and States to come together for promotion of games and sports in the country, by sharing ideas and strategies on developing the sector. 

By James Khangenbam 26 April 2023 Imphal:

Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal Pic Source Social Media

Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal 2023

Anurag Singh Thakur was addressing the inaugural session of a conference (Chintan Shivir) of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of different States and Union Territories at the City Convention Centre on 24th April. 

Stating that this year’s conference is the third Chintan Shivir of YAS Ministers, he said that youths are the largest stakeholder of the country and have a very important role in Nation building. He further stressed the necessity of organizing such conferences in every State to develop the sports sector from the grassroots level.

Anurag Singh Thakur said that Manipur has contributed a lot in the field of sports, despite its small population compared to other larger States. Acknowledging the contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Manipur for opening the first National Sports University. An approximate amount of Rs 900 crore will be spent for developing the university, he added.

He spoke on the popularity of indigenous games of Manipur, adding that the Central Government had also adopted many indigenous games in the Khelo India Programme. He further mentioned the importance of promoting traditional games at the international level.

Anurag Singh Thakur also spoke on the achievements of sportspersons of the State, mentioning the names of sports personalities who had brought laurels for the country at National and international sporting events. He mentioned the contribution of different States in different disciplines of sports, adding that women players had brought much achievement for the country.

Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal Pic Source Social Media

Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India

At the beginning of the programme, a short video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast, in which the Prime Minister spoke on the contribution of North East States, especially Manipur in the field of sports and the importance of the conference.

The Chintan Shivir would have sessions on various topics including Yuva Portal, Restructuring the National Youth Festival, Overview of Khelo India and other schemes of Government of India, Innovation in Sport Sector, Issue and Challenges in Sports Governance and Improving engagement among stakeholders in sports sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Manipur N Biren Singh extended a warm welcome to all the participants of the National Conference of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of States and Union Territories, adding that the State is honoured to host such an event. 

He also stated that a football academy would be set up in the State in collaboration between Argentina Football Academy and the State Government. He observed that holding such a conference in Imphal also recognizes and highlights the significant contributions made by Manipuri sportspersons and youth towards Nation building.

Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Banwarilal Purohit, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Nisith Pramanik, YAS Minister of different States and Union Territories, Secretary (Sports) and Secretary (Youth Affairs), Chief Secretary, Manipur and senior officials of Government of India and various State Governments also attended the inaugural programme.


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How to Start Earning Money Online Without Investment: 6 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online

In the present advanced age, the web offers various chances to bring in cash online without money management any capital. Whether you are an understudy, a homemaker, or an expert hoping to enhance your pay, there are different ways of beginning bringing in cash on the web. In this article, we will investigate probably the most famous and authentic ways of beginning bringing in cash online with practically no speculation.

6 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online

1.Outsourcing

Outsourcing is one of the most well known ways of beginning bringing in cash on the web. You can utilize your abilities and aptitude to offer administrations to clients from one side of the planet to the other. There are various stages like Upwork, Fiverr, Specialist, and Master, where you can make your profile, exhibit your abilities, and bid on projects that match your skill.

Outsourcing offers a large number of administrations like substance composing, realistic planning, web improvement, online entertainment the board, and some more. On the off chance that you have the right stuff and mastery, you can without much of a stretch look for employment and begin bringing in cash on the web.

2.Online Overviews

Online overviews are one more famous method for beginning bringing in cash on the web. There are various sites like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Vindale Exploration, where you can join and begin taking studies. These reviews are led by organizations and associations to accumulate criticism from buyers about their items and administrations.

You can bring in cash by taking these studies and giving your legitimate assessment. The compensation for each review fluctuates, yet you can procure anyplace from a couple of pennies to a couple of dollars for every overview. While this may not be a full-time pay, it is a fantastic method for bringing in some additional cash in your extra energy.

3.Partner Promoting

Partner promoting is one more famous method for beginning bringing in cash on the web. It includes advancing others’ items and procuring a commission for each deal you produce. There are various member programs like Amazon Partners, ClickBank, and ShareASale, where you can join and begin advancing items.

To find lasting success in subsidiary promoting, you want to have a site, a blog, or a web-based entertainment presence. You can advance the items through your site or online entertainment channels and procure a commission for each deal. While it might require an investment to fabricate a group of people and secure yourself as a subsidiary advertiser, it very well may be a rewarding method for bringing in cash on the web.

4.Internet Coaching

On the off chance that you have mastery in a specific subject, you can begin offering web based mentoring administrations. There are various sites like Chegg, TutorMe, and Skooli, where you can join and begin offering your mentoring administrations. You can set your own timetable and rates and deal one-on-one mentoring meetings to understudies from one side of the planet to the other.

Web based mentoring is a magnificent method for utilizing your abilities and skill and begin bringing in cash on the web. You can offer mentoring administrations in subjects like math, science, dialects, and some more

5.Internet Composing

In the event that you have an energy for composing, you can begin bringing in cash online by composing for sites, web journals, and online distributions. There are various sites like Textbroker, iWriter, and HireWriters, where you can join and begin composing articles for clients.

You can likewise pitch your articles to online distributions like Huffington Post, Forbes, and Business person and bring in cash for each article you compose. While the compensation for internet composing differs, it tends to be an incredible method for beginning bringing in cash on the web and construct your composing portfolio.

6.Online Record

Assuming you have great composing abilities, you can begin bringing in cash online by offering record administrations. Record includes deciphering sound and video documents into composed text. There are various sites like TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, and Scribie, where you can join and begin offering your record administrations.

You can bring in cash for each sound or video document you translate, and the compensation fluctuates relying upon the length

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many legitimate ways to start earning money online without any investment. Whether you have skills in writing, graphic designing, web development, or tutoring, or simply want to provide your opinions through online surveys, there are numerous platforms available to get you started. However, it is important to note that while these methods can supplement your income, they may not provide a full-time salary. As with any job, it requires dedication, hard work, and patience to build a successful online income stream.

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Mangka Mayannlambam and Oja Mangangsana felicitated after a successful tour of Switzerland and France.

MaolKeki Foundation(MKF ) is pleased to announce the successful Tour of Switzerland and Franceby Ms. Mangkaand Oja Mangangsana from Laihui Ensemble. Accompanied by Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects of the Foundation who provided logistical and management support during the Tour, they left Imphal bound for Basel on 10thApril and returned to Imphal on 19th April after a series of five successful workshops and performances.

A successful tour of Switzerland and France Pic by By James Khangenbam

Felicitated after a successful tour of Switzerland and France.

The Tour started with a Masterclass at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse in Saint Louis, France, where students, young and old, from the class of Ms. Marie Royer Camilleri were able to sing and dance along with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana. Following the exchange, some of the participants were open to learning further in the form of month-long exchange programs between Lalhui and the school.

The second event of the Tour was a performance in Allschwil, Switzerland, at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute or Swiss TPH, one of the world’s leading institutes in global health. Swiss TPH has been helping to develop the last-mile integrated agriculture and health programs run by the MaolKeki Foundation in rural parts of Manipur.

The third performance was a concert in an intimate setting at the Caveau du Café Littéraire, also in Saint-Louis, during which the Manipuri artistes were joined by Ms. Angela Sterzer, a German lady who teaches Manipuri dance in Paris. MKF would particularly like to thank Mr. Stéphane Valdenaire for helping to organize this and Saint Louis Mairie for hosting us.

The highlight of the Tour was a concert at India Day in Riehen, Basel, during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana performed as a father-daughter duo as well as in collaboration with Angela and Mr. Enrico Lenzin, a well-known Swiss Alphorn player.

Together, they mesmerized a crowd of over 700 people with a beautiful rendition of Manipuri dances, folk songs, Pena music, and Swiss Alphorn. Team Laihui is already working on a plan to continue the collaboration with Enrico with a joint concert in Manipur so those in Manipur can also enjoy the unique music created by the fusion of east and west instruments and vocals.

For the invitation and support throughout the entire process, MKF would particularly like to thank Dr. Ram Mitra, President of the Association of Friends of India Basel.

Mangka’s last performance in Switzerland was hosted by the Indian Embassy in Bern on 17 April during which Mangka and Oja Mangangsana gave yet another beautiful rendition of Manipuri folk dances, songs and music to an audience comprising of Embassy staff, important stakeholders and supporters of the Tour. The show culminated with Mangka and Oja Mangangsana being felicitated by Mr. Deepak Bansal, Chargé d’Affaires.

Dr. Shachi Gurumayum, a Trustee of the MaolKeki Foundation who played a pivotal role in putting this Tour together, said, “MKF is truly honoured and proud to have been able to put this Tour together. The artistes did a tremendous job and we were very impressed at how their online collaboration prior to the Tour materialized into a concrete and fantastic performance over two days of practicing together.

Tour and collaboration, a first of its kind between French, German, Manipuri and Swiss artistes, would not have been possible without the benevolent support of many organizations and individuals around the world.”

”Dr. Shachi further added, “MKF would like to thank all the donors and supporters, especially the Government of Manipur, Manipur Tourism, European Manipuri Association, Association of Friends of India Basel, Gemeinde Riehen, Swisslos, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ville de Saint Louis Alsace, Laihui, Thawai Hou, Balmetica, The Classic Group of Hotels, and 11 Manipuris living around the world who each made significant individual contributions.”

About MaolKeki Foundation

MaolKeki Foundation is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org.

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Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal

Union minister of tribal affairs Arjun Munda launched the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ new central sector scheme ‘Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)’ at MSFDS auditorium, Palace Compound Imphal on 18th April in the presence of chief minister N Biren and other dignitaries.

By James Khangenbam 21 April 2023 Imphal:

Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Munda informed that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) aims to empower individuals to become self-employed and self-reliant in the NE region, with respect to the diverse cultural heritage of tribals. The vision of the PM is to look east, focus on development and promote tribal products to enhance the livelihood of tribal entrepreneurs and create endless business opportunities. As this area is constitutionally a tribal region, understanding the tribal communities is essential, he observed.

Munda continued that as the PM has time and again stressed on a national programmed for ‘One District, One Product’ for the promotion of unique tribal products, TRIFED will collaborate with the state governments and agencies to ensure the complete promotion of these products through teamwork providing solutions and value addition for these products. “The NE region has always possessed immense potential in every field and it scheduled tribe communities have ensured through its efforts, the overall development of the nation. To help our tribal entrepreneurs and beneficiaries evolve a greater market both at the national and international level, we will launch more schemes to help these,” he said. It may be mentioned that a Budget of around Rs 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.

Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion.They include cinnamon rolls (Dal Cheeni-polished & semi-polished) from Kamjong district, black rice (Chak-hao) from Ukhrul district and dried bamboo shoot. On the other hand, chief minister N Biren said, “The barriers we had with the center in terms of developmental schemes have been removed, now that we have realized that the Government of India is focusing on providing the tribals of our region with a better quality of life” .

“Be it in the field of sports, business, or education, with greater income generation and greater opportunities provided by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our region has been contributing substantially in the national development and rapidly developing in the development of the country, ” he added. TA&H minister Letpao Haokip conveyed, “We truly appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for its inclusive schemes and initiatives supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs of this region”.

It is pertinent to note that through the provision of backward and forward linkages through incubation support, aggregation, skill and entrepreneurial development, sourcing and procurement, marketing, transportation, and publicity, the PTP-NER scheme will assist tribal craftsmen in taking advantage of chances to increase revenue. This plan calls for the organisation of 68 Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) in the several districts of the NE region starting on Tuesday, in order to begin the empanelment of tribal artisans from that region.

Besides, considering the vast experience and presence in NE region, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a corporation under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), India Post under Department of Posts, and NE state government de-partments/agencies are being engaged as partners under the scheme.

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Manipuri girl wins Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title

Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur has been crowned 2nd runner-up of the Femina Miss India 2023. 21 year old Strela is a resident of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai.

The star studded night at Khuman Lampak ended with the crowning of Nandini Gupta as the winner of the Femina Miss India along with Shreya Poonja and Strela Luwang as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively. Nandini Gupta is Femina Miss India Rajasthan 2023 and Shreya Poonja is Femina Miss India Delhi 2023.

The extravagant night and the red carpet was graced by the likes of Femina Miss India 2022 winner Sini Shetty and 1st and 2nd runner-ups Rubal Shekhawat and Shinata Chauhan. This is the first time the Grand finale  of the Femina Miss India is held in the North East. The event is hosted by Manipur Tourism

Winner Nandini Gupta will now represent India at the prestigious 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant.

She held two sub-titles at the Femina Miss India 2023   – “Colorbar Miss Glamourous Look” and “Trends Miss Style Icon”.  Other than her performances in beauty pageants, she works for the social activism in mental health issues with regard to gender equality as well as in” Child – friendly’ education. 

Born to Thounaojam Ratan Luwangcha and Ashalata Chingsubam, Thounaojam Strela is the sixth child among her eight siblings. Strela studied for International Business and worked for day and night to build up her future career with strong desire. She loves music, playing guitar, Kalimba and Ukelele.  

Strela survived from the attacks of epilepsy and anxiety in her past. Diagnosed with depression at a tender age, she was compelled to leave school for 2-3 years. During that time, with no friends and feeling so lonely and underestimated, she felt she was having a long slumber.

At the age of 10, she found her art of writing. She took social activism for creating social awareness of mental health issues. 

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Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake Minister urged to approved Integrated Management Plan on Loktak

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for forest, environment and climate change gave assurance that restoring and preserving the iconic Loktak Lake and its rare & endangered deer species Sangai is one of the most important tasks of the Union government as well as the Manipur government.

Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake

He added that the Union government in cohesion with the government of Manipur will expedite its efforts in mission mode to achieve the objectives of restoring the iconic Loktak Lake & its associated wetlands to pristine condition.

He made the above statement as he chaired a joint meeting on Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak wetlands complex at Indira Pary a varan Bhawan, New Delhi on 5th April. The meeting and was attended by secretary, forest, environment and climate change joint secretary (wetland), inspector general of forest, director (wetland) from the ministry’s side, IIT Roorkee professor Arunkumar, WISA, New Delhi director, NHPC Limited director (project),

 Loktak Hydro Electric Project’s chief group GM, and other senior officials from the ministry of forest, environment and climate change. From Manipur, ministers L Susindro and H Dingo, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, additional chief secretary (forest & environment) MH Khan, principal chief conservator of forests & chief wildlife warden Dr AK Joshi, and LDA project director, and SE cum wetland in-charge attended the meeting.

During the meeting, joint secretary (Wetlands) of the ministry made a PowerPoint presentation on the Integrated Management Plan of Loktak Wetland Complex. Professor Arun Kumar of IIT Roorkee, who was heavily involved in the technical evaluation of the IMP, explained the techno-ecological view of the IMP, which was prepared by the WISA director.

The state team collectively requested the ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetland Complex at the earliest as it is pending for two years. They also endorsed the ongoing project proposal of the state government for sustainable development and livelihood of Loktak Lake with technological and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The union minister directed the officials of his ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak wetlands complex to frame a task for delisting of Loktak from Montreux record, directed the Manipur government to take remedies to stop fragmentation of water regime of the lake, to identify & encourage suitable eco-tourism activities, that won’t compromise on the ecology of the lake.

He also asked LDA to submit a DPR base on IMP for necessary logistical support from the ministry on priority and further instructed officials of his ministry to clear all paper works before April 28, when he along with his team of officials is scheduled to visit Manipur and Loktak Lake for attending a regional workshop on wise use policy of wetlands in Manipur.

Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake Minister urged to approved Integrated Management Plan on Loktak Read More