Imphal: Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh Wednesday feted Padmashri awardee Hanjabam Radhe Sharmi for bringing laurels for the State at the conference hall of his office located at New Secretariat here.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Biswajit stated that the Central Government has now acknowledged and recognised the hardwork of our artisan by conferring Padmashri to artist Hanjabam Radhe Sharmi and folk singer Rewben Mashangva for this year’s Padmashri Award, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.
Biswajit also highlighted the importance of potloi and stated that potloi is an indispensable item of our culture and tradition. He also said that Rewben Machangva played an important role in reviving and promoting folk music of the Tangkhul community.
He urged the youth of the state to focus more on innovative ideas related with our rich culture and tradition.
“In order to achieve our goal and dream we need extra effort and hardwork. Each and everyone in the society have a key responsibility for bringing developing in the Society,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Padmashri Hanjabam Radhe Sharmi appealed to the younger generation who are working in the field of potloi making not to distort the original pattern and style of potloi.
Radhe Sharmi was feted with traditional shawl along with cash prize. The felicitation function was organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts in collaboration with Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited.
The function was attended by Chairman of Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited S Achouba Singh, Director of Handloom and Handicraft Lamlee Kamei and officials of the Directorate.
