Birla’s “The Hidden Treasure” launched

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, November 12, 2018: Minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, revenue and relief and rehabilitation Karam Shyam today launched 2-day special crafts exhibition “The Hidden Treasure” at Nupilal Memorial Complex, Imphal.

Crafts items exclusively produced by state awardee Soibam Birla Devi, 38, a differently abled woman of Laipham Khunou, Imphal, were exclusively displayed in the exhibition.

The exhibition was organised by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur to promote Birla who was conferred state award for excellence in doll making for the year 2005-6.

Birla said she was extremely happy for giving her the platform by organising the exhibition exclusively for her.

“If sales of my product in the exhibition are good I will make donation to poor differently able persons and orphans,” she said.

Crafts ranging from dolls, bags, flower bouquets, and decorative items were displayed in the exhibition.

 “Differently abled persons should not feel inferior. Once I thought that it would be better to leave this world, but after taking up this job I forget my woes and don’t even feel that I cannot walk after taking up this job”.

In December chief minister N. Biren Singh offered me a loan of Rs 2 lakhs, but I accepted only Rs 50,000 so that I would repay it easily, said Birla. She thanked the chief minister.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution, revenue and relief and rehabilitation minister Karam Shyam today donated a sum of Rs 50, 000 at the exhibition launching function.

Karam Shyam said, “Human is born with different abilities. Birla who moves on wheel chair is one living example of a person who glitters among us by properly utilising her ability that God has gifted her.”

What is heartening is her feeling of humanity who thinks of donating her income to people who are inferior to her, which wealthy and strong people fails to feel, said the minister.

R.N Koireng, programme consultant of the relief centre said Birla had remained isolated in her room with her dolls as friends. With the support of her relative and people she has today become a state recognised artisan.

He said there are 54, 110 persons with disability in Manipur as per 2011 census report.

Dr. R.K. Kumarjit Singh, state commissioner for persons with disabilities and S. Angibala Devi, handicraft promotion officer of Handicrafts Service Centre, Imphal, government of India.