Handloom centre brings hope to destitute women of Manipur

Imphal (Manipur) [India], Aug 4 (ANI): Many skill development centers in India's northeast region provide skill training and upgradation to the people, especially to the youth. Similarly, a handloom and handicraft centre in Imphal is providing training to destitute and underprivileged women folks in crafting and weaving to provide them with a means of livelihood. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative on Skill India Mission, many likeminded people and entrepreneurs has taken up the initiatives and reach out to the youths to train, share and help to explore the possibilities on sustainable livelihoods. In the landlocked Manipur, Renu Handloom and Handicrafts is striving hard to impart training to women in weaving and crafting to provide them with a means of livelihood and promote the rich crafts and the indigenous clothing of the state over the past two decades. Setting a goodwill example and working towards the upliftment of women's condition in the state, the centre has trained many destitute and homeless children on making refine embroidery and designs on handloom and weaving and other skill development. So far, the centre has trained more than 5000 students hailing from various part of the state. Established in the year 1992, the centre continues working for the upliftment for socio-economic development with special focus on women empowerment. "Apart from providing free training, my students receive free accommodation and foodings. Moreover, whenever they fall sick or something, I took care of them like my own children. If they could learn something to benefit in life, I am most willing to assist them in days to come too," Entrepreneur Arambam Renu Devi told ANI. Apart from conducting various activities such as workshop, seminar, social awareness programs, social services, the centre is also engaged on taking care of the poor and the needy. Currently, there are more than 20 orphan girls working at the centre receiving free training and accommodations. "IT feels good staying here. They look after us like their own kids. I came to know about this place through newspaper. I have learned how to make bed sheets and apron for kitchen sets. The place is one of a kind. I can earn up to 11-12 thousands per month," said a Weaver. With over 20 permanent and 500 contractual employees, the centre has now expanded to the remote hill districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Churachandpur as well as to the neighbouring states of Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. "Since we don't have much work at home, I am happy to be working here. It gives me an opportunity to earn and at the same time learn more techniques of weaving," said another weaver. Providing such opportunities and platform to the downtrodden section of the society will go a long way in improving the socio-economic status of the society. (ANI)