Konsam Ibomcha Singh, traditional Laiphadibi doll maker from Manipur, was presented the Padma Shri Award for Arts by President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Monday.
Sixty-year-old Konsam Ibomcha was conferred the Padma Shri Award on Republic Day 2022 observation in recognition of his distinguished services in Arts, of preserving the century-old dying art of Laiphadabi (doll) making of the Meitei community in Manipur.
N Biren Singh, who was sworn in as chief minister of Manipur, congratulated Konsam on his achievement.
“Congratulations to Shri Konsam Ibomcha Singh Ji on being conferred the Padma Shri Award for 'Arts'. Born to National Awardee parents, Sh Konsam Ibomcha Singh is a traditional Laiphadibi Doll Maker who played an instrumental role in preserving a century-old doll making technique,” Biren tweeted.
In an interview to the Imphal Free Press on being conferred one of the highest civilian awards of the country in January, Konsam said being honoured with Padma Shri Award is his biggest achievement in life.
“Conferring me the Padma Shri is the biggest achievement of my life. It shows that the country has recognised the arts of Laiphadibi making. I am very grateful that the country has recognised the artworks of an unsung artist like me,” Konsam told IFP on February 1, 2022.
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The Padma Shri emphasized the need of establishing a training centre for traditional Laiphadibi doll-making during the interview to the IFP.
“In order to preserve it, there is a need of establishing a training centre without having any time bound for the course,” said Ibomcha explaining that until a person is able to make perfect production of the doll, the training is meaningless.
Padma Awards were conferred on several distinguished people from different walks of life during the awards ceremony held on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the accomplishments and contribution to society by the awardees.
"Joined the ceremony in which Padma Awards were conferred on distinguished people from different walks of life. We take great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society," Modi said in Twitter post.
