Guwahati: The Indian Army, in a remarkable collaboration with the Pune-based NGO Aseem Foundation, has embarked on a transformative journey across Manipur and Nagaland. Under the ambit of Operation Sadbhavana, a series of pioneering livelihood and cultural revival initiatives are actively empowering women and breathing new life into indigenous crafts, seamlessly converting traditional skills into sustainable income streams for local communities.
This innovative initiative took root after army personnel, deployed in the remote corners of these states, received heartfelt gifts of handmade shawls, intricate bead jewellery, and potent herbal products from local women. These gestures, though simple, unveiled a rich yet underutilised cultural economy, prompting the Army to institutionalise support for traditional artisanship.
In Manipur’s Tronglaobi village, a dedicated yarn bank has been established, acting as a crucial backbone for local textile production. Here, artisans, meticulously trained in traditional weaves like the exquisite Wangkhei Phee, the graceful Moirang Phee, and the classic phanek, are now operating under a self-sustaining model. The profits generated are diligently reinvested into procuring raw materials, ensuring the preservation of these age-old crafts while simultaneously fostering financial independence for the women involved.
Meanwhile, in Phubala village, Bishnupur district, the launch of “Loktak Mist” has provided a contemporary platform to ancient skincare practices. Utilising time-honoured ingredients such as rice water, leihao flowers, turmeric, and sesame oil – elements once integral to local rituals – women have successfully developed a market-ready line of natural cosmetics. The comprehensive training provided extended beyond mere formulation, encompassing branding and marketing, thereby establishing a complete, self-sustaining business cycle.
Further north, in Nagaland’s Zakhama village, a vibrant textile unit, dedicated to tribal designs like the distinctive Tsungkotepsu shawl, is actively training women to harmoniously blend traditional motifs with modern materials. This robust program includes structured skill development and provides essential looms and supplies, thereby significantly strengthening the bonds between the Army and the tribal communities.
Adding another layer to this cultural revival, a bead jewellery training centre has commenced operations in P. Moulding village, Kangpokpi district. Here, women are receiving expert training in intricate wire looping, precise bead identification, and mastering tribal design patterns deeply rooted in the Tangkhul, Konyak, and Mao cultures. The result is a stunning line of commercially viable jewellery, each piece steeped in profound cultural significance.
While the immediate objective remains economic self-reliance, officials are clear that the broader goal is to actively revive cultural practices that face the risk of fading into oblivion. These projects are not merely skill development programs; they are functioning as powerful platforms for identity, instilling pride, and fostering profound community resilience.
Army officials have lauded this initiative as a replicable model for peacebuilding in sensitive areas. Traditionally viewed primarily through a security lens, the Army’s role is now notably expanding into long-term social development, particularly in regions that have often been marginalised from mainstream growth narratives.
Read More: Manipur Simmers: Congress Demands Governor’s Recall, Alleges President’s Rule Failure