Lady goldsmith notches up State Inspiration Award
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Puyam Rameshore

Imphal, May 17 2012: Defying orthodox beliefs of differentiating profession between male and female in Manipur, Chongtham Loyalakpi has successfully emerged as a perfect goldsmith.

With the income earned from her 'chosen' profession which was normally considered to be a male bastion, Loyalakpi has been looking after her family effortlessly and single-handedly.

Recognizing her dedication in the field, Chongtham Loyalakpi has been selected by the state government to confer with the State Inspiration Award 2011-12 .

Chongtham Loyalakpi (32), daughter of late Ch Achaoba, is a resident of Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak.

Soon after her father died leaving the entire responsibility of looking after the family on her tender shoulder and her aging mother, Loyalakpi set up her own shop attached with their house from where she has been making gold jewellery of various designs.

Loyalakpi blowing the pipe to give a perfect design

Speaking to Hueiyen Lanpao, Loyalakpi said that since her childhood, she has been involved in making gold jewellery along with her parents.

However, after completing her graduation in 2003, she started devoting her entire time in making gold jewelleries along with her mother.

With her designs gaining popularity among the people, the number of orders received too has been increasing.

Every day, Loyalakpi remains pre-occupied in her from morning till evening.

There are also occasions when she worked late into the night to meet the deadline.

Loyalakpi informed that if one gets totally involved in the business, he or she can earn at least Rs 15,000 per month.

If an individual receives government fundings and subsidies, he/she can even employ other people and give employment opportunities to them.

"We should not go after government services only.

If we have the desire to work and have a work culture, there are various ways and means for earning livelihood.

Taking up the profession of a goldsmith is also a good means to earn a living", she observed.

The Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Manipur has selected Loyalakpi for conferring the State Inspiration Award, 2011-2012 in recognition of her dedication in the field.

The award would be handed over to Loyalakpi during a function on May 24 .