In a heartfelt ceremony held on May 21, 2026, in the Vice Chancellor’s official chamber at Manipur University, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain, Vice Chancellor (In-charge), personally felicitated PhD scholar Sanju Akoijam.
Just two days earlier, Sanju had the rare honour of interacting with Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan as the only woman representative from Manipur among a select group of Northeastern artisans and weavers.
The Vice Chancellor’s facilitation stems from several forward-looking reasons. Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain is deeply committed to implementing the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for breaking the artificial divide between academic and vocational education. By supporting Sanju, who is pursuing her PhD in Economics while successfully scaling a traditional craft-based business, the Prof Prasain is walking the talk on multidisciplinary learning and skill integration.
NEP 2020 envisions vocational education not as a separate stream but as an integral part of mainstream education, aiming to provide exposure to at least 50% of learners through school and higher education by 2025. It promotes early vocational exposure from middle school, a credit-based framework for seamless mobility between academic and vocational paths, and the integration of traditional Indian knowledge systems like local crafts with modern entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, as the only woman from Manipur at the Rashtrapati Bhavan event, Sanju represents both individual excellence and regional pride. The Vice Chancellor (In-charge) recognises that facilitating such women scholars creates powerful role models and generates meaningful employment, especially for women artisans in the region. At the same time, he understands the importance of preserving cultural heritage through modern means.
Kauna grass craft is a dying traditional art, and by backing Sanju Akoijam, Manipur University under his leadership is ensuring that this valuable cultural knowledge is not merely studied but actively revived, modernised, and made economically viable — aligning perfectly with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating “Lok Vidya” (India’s traditional vocational knowledge) into curricula.
Additionally, the Prof Ganga Prasad Prasain specially appreciated the guidance of Prof. Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma. This public recognition strengthens the mentorship ecosystem at Manipur University and encourages other faculty members to guide students towards entrepreneurial outcomes.
Sanju herself warmly acknowledges the foundational role played by the University and the consistent support she has received. She shared, “My entrepreneurial journey received its first major boost at Manipur University when Dr. Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh, Assistant Professor at the Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), guided me in pitching my business projects for the first time. That initial support proved to be the crucial stepping stone for my career. I am also deeply grateful to the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of DoNER, who have stood by me all these years, providing crucial support, market linkages, and encouragement that helped me grow H.I. Store from a small beginning to where it is today.”
Sanju’s journey from a modest home-based venture started with just Rs 3,000 to a promising enterprise with an expected turnover of Rs 3 crore is truly inspiring. Her specialisation in sustainable handcrafted Kauna grass products, dried floral arrangements, and traditional Northeastern gifts has not only earned her a Rs 7 lakh grant under the North Eastern Council’s NEEDP scheme but also brought Manipuri craftsmanship to the national stage at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Her Kauna grass creations, which started in a small corner of Imphal, now grace the President’s events and reach homes across the country. This success is creating employment for fellow artisans, particularly women, reviving dying techniques, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring the younger generation.
We need hundreds more Sanjus across Manipur and the entire Northeast. For this to happen, more institutions must follow Manipur University’s lead, investing in strong mentorship programmes, linking students with relevant government schemes like those of NEHHDC and NEC, constantly bridging the gap between academic knowledge and market realities, and wholeheartedly embracing the multidisciplinary and skill-oriented vision of NEP 2020.
In a region rich in cultural heritage but often challenged economically, Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain’s acknowledgement is actively bridging academics, tradition, and commerce. Sanju’s success demonstrates how higher education institutions can play a direct role in skill development, women empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihood creation — embodying NEP 2020’s push for holistic, multidisciplinary education with strong industry and community linkages.
The move is also especially significant because it goes beyond individual recognition. It signals to the entire university community that blending rigorous research with entrepreneurial action will be celebrated and supported. In doing so, Manipur University under his leadership is contributing meaningfully to nation-building by creating empowered youth who remain deeply rooted in Manipuri values while shining on national platforms.
Sanju Akoijam’s achievement at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by this warm felicitation, symbolises a new era for Manipur University. If this momentum continues, the university will produce not just scholars, but hundreds of changemakers like Sanju — individuals who preserve heritage, generate employment, and carry the pride of the Northeast to the rest of India and beyond.
This is leadership with purpose. This is how a university truly serves its land and its people.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
Naorem Mohen
View More PostsNaorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
