A doctoral student of Manipur University who transformed a handicraft venture launched with an investment of Rs 3,000 into an enterprise with a projected turnover of Rs 3 crore was received by Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 19.
Sanju Akoijam, a PhD scholar in the Department of Economics at Manipur University, was the lone woman representative from Manipur among a group of artisans and weavers from the northeastern states invited for a special interaction with the President. The artisans had earlier displayed Kauna grass crafts and traditional handmade products during the Republic Day “At Home” reception held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January.
During the interaction, the artisans were presented with pashmina shawls, hosted for lunch and taken on a guided tour of the presidential estate.
Sanju Akoijam is the founder of H.I. Store, an online enterprise based in Imphal dealing in handcrafted Kauna grass products, dried floral arrangements and traditional gifts from the Northeast. Her venture secured a grant of Rs 7 lakh after being selected among the top 20 performers under the North Eastern Council’s NEEDP scheme implemented through the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
On her return, Manipur University Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Ganga Prasad Prasain felicitated her at his official chamber in recognition of her achievement in combining academics with entrepreneurship.
Sanju Akoijam attributed her early success to the guidance of Economics professor Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma, who supervised her doctoral research and encouraged sustainable livelihood initiatives, and Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh, Assistant Professor at the Manipur Institute of Management Studies, who mentored her in pitching her business.
“That initial support proved to be the crucial stepping stone for my career,” Akoijam said.
Sanju Akoijam hails from Singjamei Makha Oinam Thingel in Imphal East district.