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.