Manipur University Scholar Meets President Murmu After Building Rs 3,000 into Rs 3 Crore Kauna Craft Business
A research scholar from Manipur University has earned national recognition after transforming a small handicraft initiative started with just Rs 3,000 into a business venture now projecting a turnover of nearly Rs 3 crore.
Sanju Akoijam, a PhD scholar from the Department of Economics at Manipur University, recently met Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 19 during a special interaction with artisans and weavers from Northeast India.
Sanju Akoijam was the only woman representative from Manipur invited to the event. Earlier this year, she had participated in the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where artisans from the northeastern states showcased traditional handmade products and Kauna grass crafts.
During the interaction, the invited artisans were felicitated with pashmina shawls, hosted for lunch, and taken on a guided tour of the presidential estate.
Sanju Akoijam is the founder of H.I. Store, an Imphal-based online handicraft venture specialising in Kauna grass products, dried flower decorations, and traditional gifts from Northeast India. Her entrepreneurship journey received a major boost after securing a Rs 7 lakh grant under the North Eastern Council’s NEEDP scheme. The programme was facilitated through the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Officials said her business has emerged as an inspiring example of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship and digital marketing.
Following her return to Manipur, Akoijam was felicitated by the Vice Chancellor (in-charge) of Manipur University, Ganga Prasad Prasain, who praised her achievement in balancing academic research with a successful business venture.
Sanju Akoijam credited her growth to the guidance and support she received from her mentors at the university. She acknowledged Economics professor Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma for encouraging sustainable livelihood ideas through research, and assistant professor Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh of the Manipur Institute of Management Studies for helping her present and develop her business model during its early stages.
She stated that the initial encouragement from her mentors became the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey and professional growth.
Originally from Singjamei Makha Oinam Thingel in Imphal East district, Akoijam’s success story has been widely appreciated as an example of women entrepreneurship, indigenous craftsmanship, and youth innovation from Northeast India.
