IMPHAL, July 13: Master craftswoman of Coil Pottery, Sarubam Dharmamala Devi, 70 wife of (L) Sh Lolito Singh of Andro Khunou Leikai who has been undergoing treatment at the JNIMS following a cardiac arrest, breathed her last on July 11 evening at 6.30.
Her last right was performed yesterday at her native place with well-wishers and friends attending the funeral.
Honouring the late artisan, a condolence meeting was organised today by Andro Khunou Leikai Youth Sporting Club this morning.
The meeting was attended by Khullakpa of Andro, Chingakham Gandhar Singh, the club president Leishungbam Surchandra, secretary Chingakham Bijoy and villagers from surrounding area.
She was rushed to JNIMS on June 13 and admitted at the female medicine ward bed no.8.
She has been administered with oxygen in an unconscious state.
Dharmamala is the first crafts to have been conferred with the State award in Coil Pottery (State Award for master craft person in pottery craft 2004-05).
Her speciality is in making indigenous domestic items like Mera Chapu, Laikharung, Maring Chaphu, Kegam, Isaiphu, Chengphu and other innovative items which are widely used in every household of Andro,
She was also honoured with inspiration award 2002, merit award 2003 and 04.
In 2003 she was given recognition by the commissioner handicraft, Ministry of Textile Development for her outstanding craftsmanship.
Since then Dharmamala also imparted training as the head instructor in the department’s visit workshops organised by the commerce and industry,
The Ministry of Textile has also been providing her with an annual honorarium of Rs 12 thousand since her 60th birthday.
She had also participated in various regional and national level exhibitions including the North East Trade Fair Pragati Maidan Delhi, National Museum for Mankind Bhopal, Chennai and at almost all the States of the North East.
Meanwhile, Craft and Social Development Organisation has condoled the demise of the Sarubam Darmomala Devi, State Awardee (Pottery Crafts), Andro Khunou Leikaia at her residence.
According to a statement of the organisation, a two minute silence was observed by the organisation along with the members of Andro Cluster Self Centre group at the office of the Common Facility Centre (CFC) for Pottery and Terracotta Crafts, Andro Kharam Leikai to pray for the departed soul.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/craftswoman-dharmamala-no-more/