Villagers avail benefits of Manipur skill development programme

The northeast has a rich legacy of arts and crafts. People in Manipur's Andro Village are exceptionally skilled in pottery. Recently, a training programme was organized in the village with an aim to polish the skills of local potters and promote pottery as a viable occupation.

Situated in Imphal East District, some 18 km away from Imphal, Andro Village is widely known for its specialization in the art of making pots.

Recently, a six-month-long training programme on integrated design and technical development in pottery and terracotta crafts was organized at the Common Facility Centre in Andro Kharam Leikai.

The programme aimed at enhancing the skills of crafts persons in order to enable them to earn a decent livelihood, which would thereby boost the state's economy.

The training was conducted under the aegis of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Social Development Organisation, Kongba Nandeibam Leikai.

"I think it will be very helpful for them in the future. Now they have not learnt properly that's why they are not giving much interest in making pottery but after learning they will come to know about the work then they will give more interest and they will also earn money so it's very helpful for our livelihood," said Ph Khema Devi, a trainer.

The pot making skills not only provide a livelihood to these villagers but has also earned them accolades at the state and national level. They manufacture a variety of pottery wares including utensils and decorative items.

"I want to make different kinds of pottery design and I want to showcase it outside. I have one goal to join here that is I want to make a big pot (15 feet) in the name of Andro potter and I want other people to know about Andro pot and what we are making here," said Phanjoubam Ngomcha Singh, a trainee.

"If people work properly and if they give interest in making pottery then definitely it will be very helpful for future and it will also upgrade our socio economic condition," added Leishungbam Tenu Devi, another trainee.

With an aim to encourage the people to take up self employment ventures and make arts and craft a profitable occupation, the government regularly conducts such skill development workshops in villages the region.