Padma Shree Award to Machihan Sasa

 Earthen Alchemist:

Qr.Machihan Sasa honored Padma Shri Award

( Shilph Guru;  Master craft-person who has promoted and preserve ancient Tangkhul tradition of Longpi pottery awarded Padma Shree)

The GOI has announced the names of Padma Shri award recipients 2024 on the eve of Republic Day

( Qr.Mchihan Sasa)

The Dawn Tantak
Ukhrul, 26th Jan'24

" God helps those who help themself"
the saying goes, it clearly manifest the handwriting  of  Heavenly Father once again for everyone to see and witness   through non other than Qr. Machihan Sasa ( 74yrs) a renowned Longpi (Nungbi) potter from Ukhrul district.

This year ( 2024) the government  of India announced the names  of 110 Padma Shri Awardees on the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, of which Machihan Sada was the sole winner from the state.

While talking with this Juro at Bakshi ground, Dungrei Hungpung  Qr. Machihan Sasa said he was born on April 10, 1950,( now 74 years)  in a locality primarily driven by agriculture and traditional occupations and since his childhood days he has a keen interest in making potteries which was taught by his father  Qr.Kuishim and his grandfather. And by the time when I become 20 years old  my desire and endeavour becomes more intense and , from 1970, i have been actively involved in crafting unique black stone pottery using a combination of ground black serpentine stone and a special brown clay found exclusively in Longpi Village, Sasa explains.

Earlier i never thought that one day my dedication and commitment will take me to this zenit point, i honestly thank God for everything Sasa said with humbleness.

Machihan Sasa, who is a pioneer in the field of black stone pottery, an art form said to have been handed down from the Neolithic perio( 10,000 BC) a unique features of this Longpi pottery is that  it is a rare pottery from which uses brown- Clay serpentine stone  and black rock as the main ingredients without a wheel  but adhering an indigenous natural hand made system and didicated for over 5 decades to preserve this ancient Tangkhul tradition pot.

The cooking in this pottery enhances the taste of the food as compared to other pots and pans.

As of now,  it is created,marketed and exhibited varities of Longpi pottery products such as cooking pots,tea cups,deco items  and many infusing new designs .

Machihan further said that over the years he had  Trained over 300 individuals some of them have even recieved an awards  I am happy for that  besides , this profession not only helps in  reviving the art form but also creat a sustainable income source for the villagers , he adds.

It is pertinent to mentioned that knowing the full potential and genius of Machihan Sasa and his precious and unique ancient  Art  of  " Loree Hampai'( Longbi pot) Ukhrul MLA Qr. Ram Muivah had recommended  Machihan Sasa  name to be included  for the nomination of Padma Shree Award  from the state of Manipur in the interest of public service. (Fortunately advisor to the PM of India Amit Khare happens to be the batchmate of the MLA  who was truly instrumental).

Moreover, a representation was also submitted by Ukhrul for Sustainable Development  (UFSD) for  nomination of Machihan Sasa Shilph Guru for Padma Shree Award.

   

Ukhrul old road SH-8

Ukhrul Old road:   New Haven to Tolloi junction via Lamlang gate JAC apprise  to ensure quality

( One of the oldest highway in the state Highway-8 neglected for over 4 decades)

JAC was formed in 2016 by the direct stakeholders of seven villages, namely Shokvao, Ramva, Tashar, T. Chanhong, Lamlang, Pharung, and Hunphun/Ukhrul through the endorsement of the apex civil society organizations of the district such as Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang (TNZL).”

The Dawn Tantak
Ukhrul,26th Jan'24
THE Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Development of Old Ukhrul Road - New Haven to Tolloi Junction (SH-08) via Lamlang Gate, has called for satisfactory completion of the ongoing restoration of the state highway, without being influenced by any external or political forces.

In a press conference held at Hotel Ice Land, Wino Bazaar on Friday, the JAC's general secretary, Happylife Leisan, informed that the restoration and improvement work of the old road, which is being taken up under the Central Road Fund (CRF), had commenced on January 4, 2024.

He stated that the project aimed to cover a distance of 29 km from Shokvao (New Haven) to Talui Junction via Lamlang Gate, adding that the old road runs through a fertile stretch along the Thoubal River, making it a crucial connectivity link for the most populous region of the district.

He stated that the ongoing project is very importance to the people of the region, and it should not be subjected to any political agendas.

“We appeal to the authorities concerned to ensure that the restoration work is completed successfully without any hindrances,” Leisan said, flanked by JAC's convenor, AS Wungnaoyo, headman Ramva village, Qr. HA. Khayaiwo  headman of Hunphun/ Ukhrul and other members of the committee.

He said that the JAC has been actively monitoring the progress of the restoration project and has conducted an inspection on January 24 last. Leisan said that the JAC was pleased to note that the work was progressing smoothly, and they urged the contractor and departmental officials to maintain the same level of dedication and commitment till the project's completion.

On behalf of the JAC, Leisan also expressed gratitude to Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam for approving the improvement of the road.

He further added that the State Highway-08 is one of the oldest highways in the state, but sadly, it had been neglected for over 40 years due to various reasons, including political influences. “As such, all stake holders came together to revive the lifeline and thus, the JAC was formed in 2016 by the direct stakeholders of seven villages, namely Shokvao, Ramva, Tashar, T. Chanhong, Lamlang, Pharung, and Hunphun/Ukhrul through the endorsement of the apex civil society organizations of the district such as Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang (TNZL).”

Leisan further cited prime reasons for the formation of the JAC and mentioned the state government's acute apathy of this road section, as well as the practice of corrupt 'flying bill' activities by politicians and contractors. He also pointed out the negative effects of vote-bank politics, leading to the cancellation of work programs and the competition between valley-based and hill-based contractors for contracts.

He then appealed to the authorities to refrain from conducting financial transactions for the ongoing Central Road Fund (CRF) work without first obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the JAC. “Any issues that arise in the implementation of the road improvement work should be settled only in consultation with the JAC, as it is the only legitimate body for the local people,” he said.

Simultaneously, Leisan urged the state authorities to consider developing the existing road into a four-lane highway for the benefits of the public. He cited the proposal made by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah in 2022, as evidence of the urgent need for this improvement.

According to Leisan, MLA Muivah, during his tenure as Secretary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), and Masakhui Rungsung (IFS), High Commissioner to Jamaica, successfully convinced the then Union Secretary of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), Vijay Chibber, to undertake the improvement work of the road under the category of Economic Importance.

Leisan further disclosed that the JAC brought the sorry state of the road section to the attention of Th. Biswajit Singh, former Minister of Public Works Department (PWD). “He consented to repair the road under the CRF program for which the JAC is thankful to our minister,” he said.

Thereafter, the JAC undertook tasks such as landslide clearance and jungle clearance, to facilitate the necessary survey for the road improvement work by pooling its own resources, he said.

According to Leisan, in 2018, a survey was conducted and an amount of Rs. 1 Crore was sanctioned under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). He recalled that a consultancy firm had already completed the necessary DPR for the project which was then forwarded to the state government for its implementation.

“This was during the tenure of former Ukhrul MLA, Alfred Khanngam Arthur. And it was later discovered that the fund was diverted elsewhere, leaving the target project unfulfilled,” lamented the JAC secretary.

The Wilorim Manor

 

The Wolorim Manor the second home away from home: B&B ' all set to open in Ukhrul

( Come and experience the exquisite natural paradise of the Ukl hill station)

Addie Chiphang
Ukl,8th Jan'24

IN a significant efforts of the native to amplified the Tangkhulite's hospitalities to the sojourners or rather the guest the one and only first of its kind in the district is all set to open for everyone who have a desire or dreams of visiting picturesque Ukhrul town in the days to come.

The new "Bed and Breakfast , The Wolorim Manor" s all set to open its doors at Dungrei, Hungpung in the district headquarters.

Relatively a new concept, the upcoming bed and breakfast will be a highly anticipated addition to the hospitality scene in Ukhrul town.With its prime location, comfortable homely accommodations, and warm hospitality, it is sure, to become a popular choice among travellers coming to the town.

Perhaps, one might later found startled but actually it is all experiencing the true legacy of our forefathers where Tangkhuls people are usually polite and  customarily  avail to extend great hospitalities to its guest and untill now it is very much part or ways of our life, ways of Tangkhul life said Ashang Raikhan manager of the hotel management.

 

                  ( Qr Home Raikhan)

While interacting with the journalist at the cosy yet feel like home 'The  Wolorim Manor' campus on Monday. Qr. Home Raikhan, a retired commissioner Income Tax from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), GOI shared his motivation behind his venture stating that his main objective  is  to provide year-round services to both locals and tourists by extending vistas of homely atmosphere to stay in during their travels.Now my endeavour  has finally took shape. After years of construction of the infrastructures which began on 2021," rquoth the retired bureaucrat who hails from Talui village.

After much study, time and consideration, it motivate me and it was felt that a stone structure reflecting the old as well as the new would best suit the environment, space and atmosphere for the best of Tangkhul hospitality. "The Wolorim Manor " was thus born, Home added.

Raikhan further disclosed that a key objective of Wolorim Manor is to offer affordable accommodation options to travellers, especially during the festive season when most of the hotels in the town are closed for celebrations. "I myself have recently experienced a hard time finding an accommodation in the town during Christmas time for travellers to find suitable lodgings, and Wolorim Manor aims to fill this void," he exhorts.

The retired bureaucrat continue saying that the new "bed and breakfast" facility will be operational shortly, with infrastructures being given a finishing touch currently. Our rate will be very competitive," he said, without disclosing it.

The building with multiple rooms, including conference halls occupies a whooping area of 4600 square feet in sprawling 64,000 square feet premises.

We are also planning to accomodate additional facilities like Amphitheatre, swimming pool and etc,etc.Moreover,
there are also wild fruits like wild apples, sumac and others in the campus which our guests could enjoy," he said.

Raikhan explained, regarding the name Wolorim, it is derived from the Talui dialect, wherein the word loosely translates to 'Beckoning Heights' or 'Welcome to the Cliff'. The term 'Wolo' represents the command 'come' in Talui, while 'rim' is a shortened version of the word 'arim',   which is also my father suffix name Arim .At first I thought of opening up a market place on the periphery but later on i decided to honour the true, profound and grand services of and for the people with unique and rare memorable and comfortable stay Yes, my tastes are simple ,I like to have the best and the best is  'bed and breakfast ' home away from home,he added.

He continued that the Wolorim Manor site in the Dungrei area was once a dense forest. Over the years, this area has become a bustling center for both businesses and residents in Hungpung.

Nevertheless , as years gone by much of the forest cover has disappeared, although there are still remnants that have managed to survive," This is where it has become a cause to preserve the remaining woodland and create an environment that would blend with its natural surroundings," he stressed.

"The Wolorim Manor" you may reach through it website Wolorimmanor@gmail.com | +91 70056 78182; +91 70440 70179 | Dungrei, Imphal-Jessami Rd, Ukhrul District and experience a comfortable stay with the best of Tangkhul hospitalities and memorable stay and hope you create lasting memories .