Manipur University PhD scholar Sanju Akoijam interacted with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan for her work in Kauna craft entrepreneurship.
Imphal, May 21: Manipur University has announced that Sanju Akoijam, a PhD scholar from the Department of Economics, interacted with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 19.
According to the university, Sanju Akoijam was the only woman representative from Manipur among a select group of artisans and weavers from the Northeastern states invited for the interaction. The participants had contributed to the ‘At Home’ Reception hosted by the President on January 26 this year by showcasing traditional Kouna grass crafts and handmade products from the region.
The university said the recognition reflects the growing role of indigenous entrepreneurship and cultural preservation among youth from the Northeast. Sanju Akoijam is pursuing her doctoral research under the guidance of Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma from the Department of Economics. The university credited Prof. Sharma for mentoring her in combining academic research with entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood development.
According to the statement, the mentorship helped Sanju develop her traditional craft skills into a sustainable business venture while continuing her academic work.
Speaking about her journey, Sanju Akoijam said her entrepreneurial efforts first gained momentum at Manipur University through the support of Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh, who guided her in presenting business proposals during the early stages of her venture. She said the opportunity to interact with the President was a motivating experience and strengthened her commitment to promoting indigenous crafts and sustainable employment opportunities.
During the interaction at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the artisans and weavers were felicitated with pashmina shawls and hosted for lunch. The group was also given a guided tour of the presidential estate.
Sanju Akoijam hails from Singjamei Makha Oinam Thingel in Imphal East district and is the founder of H.I. Store, an online enterprise focusing on handcrafted Kauna grass products, dried floral arrangements and traditional gifts from the Northeast.
According to the university, the business started with an investment of Rs. 3,000 and has grown steadily through online operations. The enterprise is now expected to achieve a turnover of around Rs. 3 crore.
Her work also earned recognition under the North Eastern Council’s NEEDP scheme, through which she received a grant of Rs. 27 lakh as one of the top 20 performers. The support was facilitated through the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Manipur University said the achievement demonstrates how mentorship, research and entrepreneurship can work together to preserve traditional knowledge while creating modern livelihood opportunities for young people in the region.
