Highlighting the artistic side of Dr Tondon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 14 2009: Dr Leishangthem Tondon, though better known as an eye surgeon of repute, also embodies an innovative artiste within himself.

Dr Tondon is a versatile character�a surgeon, a musician and a craftsman�all rolled into one, in a single person.

In addition to being the first eye surgeon of Manipur, the artistic talent and craftsmanship of Dr Tondon has also been given recognition.

He has bagged the prestigious National Craft Award twice.

Dr Tondon with one his sculptures pose for the lens

The 62 year old eye-surgeon, who retired from JN Hospital in August 2006, is also a good player of tabla and traditional Meitei pung.

Though he grew up to become a doctor, his love for music started at a very young age.

Tondon used to learn music under noted music teachers during his childhood clandestinely.

"At a very young age, my love for music sprouted.

I learnt Meitei Pung under late Guru Ibotombi.

"By the time, I reached class XI, I even performed as a lead drummer in Nat Sankritan," Dr Tondon said.

Later, he learnt playing tabla from Nongthonbam Nongthon.

He won first prize in tabla recital in an inter-college music competition.

Craftsmanship is another area in which this medical practitioner excels.

His outstanding imaginative power and innovative ideas are proven beyond doubt by miniature musical instruments and thematic craft products put on display at his Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai residence.

All his craft products are reflective either about the ancient civilization of Manipur or the prevailing poverty in Manipuri society or existing family relationship or natural beauty of Manipur or its indigenous games.

Another unique quality of Dr Tondon's craft products is that all the items were made of bamboo roots.

However, the musical instruments were made of wood and metals.

Impressed by his unique hand-made tiny musical instruments, Sitar Guru Ravi Shankar bought a set of such instruments during a national handicraft expo in 2002 .

Dr Tondon loves wood carving and crafts so much that he always managed to steal some precious hours from his busy schedule of being an imminent eye surgeon.

Recently, Dr Tondon submitted a set of his handicraft products carved out from bamboo roots to compete in national craft competition.

Dr Tondon has been already recommended for his bamboo root carving piece themed 'Father and Child'.

Dr Tondon got his MBBS and PG degree from Darbhanga Medical College.

He did his specialisation in micro-surgery in opthalmology from Madurai.