Padma Shri awardee Machihan Sasa, a 73-year-old potter from Longpi Kajui (Loree Kaju) in Ukhrul district, was recently honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024. This award, announced on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day celebration, recognizes his remarkable craftsmanship and his efforts in promoting Longpi Hampai pottery, a unique form of pottery that has been passed down through generations in the village.
Notes of Gratitude
Expressing his gratitude to all his supporters, Sasa said in a statement released on February 2, “On being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024, I would like to extend my humble gratitude to all those who have helped me in getting this award in my third nomination for the Award.”
Sasa particularly acknowledged the support of Zanyo Varam, Convenor of Ukhrul for Sustainable Development (UfSD), and Themreichan Sharon, Executive Member of UfSD, for their tireless efforts in recommending him for the award. He said: “Without their effort and selfless service I wouldn’t have seen the light of the day.”
The Padma Shri awardee also thanked Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, for his wholehearted support and believing in his credibility for the coveted Award and for nominating his name recommended by UfSD. “Without your genuine concern for the welfare of the people, I would not have reached where I’m today,” Sasa said.
Furthermore, Sasa expressed his appreciation to Somatai Shaiza, a social worker, for coordinating with Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, for the felicitation ceremony at the CM’s bungalow.
He acknowledged the trust and belief shown by the Chief Minister in his work, saying, “All our efforts would have been in vain had Biren Singh not believed in me and what I intent to do in the future.”
“Your kind concern and gesture of goodwill and statesmanship has made me believe in humanity and rationalism,” Sasa said of Singh’s support for him.
He added that the warm reception and felicitation extended to him by the Chief Minister and the people holds a special place in his heart and means the world to him.
Sasa also took the opportunity to thank all those who have supported him throughout his journey, knowingly and unknowingly. He said, ‘To all those who support me, pray for me, and think of me, may the great and benevolent Lord richly bless and keep you all.’
More Light on Hampai
The Padma Shri award has not only brought recognition and honor to Sasa and his community but has also shed more light on the traditional craft of Longpi Hampai pottery. This form of pottery is done without the use of a potter’s wheel, and the unique technique involves molding the clay with bare hands and using bamboo strips to decorate the pottery. It is an intricate and time-consuming process, making the recognition all the more special for Sasa and his community.
Sasa’s success in receiving the Padma Shri award has also raised hopes for the upliftment and preservation of indigenous arts and crafts in the state. It serves as an inspiration to many other artists and craftsmen who work tirelessly to keep their traditional art forms alive.
This recognition is a testament to Sasa’s contribution and the impact he has made through his craft. His story serves as an inspiration to many and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms.
What is Padma Shri
Padma Shri is one of the most esteemed and prestigious civilian awards in the Republic of India, ranking as the fourth-highest honor after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.
Established on 2 January 1954, this award is bestowed upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields such as arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
This honour is announced to recipients by the Government of India on the eve of India’s Republic Day every year.
