Worngachan A Shatsang
Fellow
"I am Worngachan from Manipur. Born in the picturesque town of Ukhrul, I’ve always had a keen interest in places, people and the stories behind them. I started writing about things that were close to my heart at a very young age and over the years learned photography, which has now become an important part of the stories that I tell. For the last 5 years of my professional life, I’ve dedicated my time and energy towards helping football progress in India by working as a journalist, a content creator, and a grassroot football promoter. Today, I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I am looking to take on new challenges. Coming from the beautiful North East of India, I’ve always been immensely proud of the vibrant diversity of people and culture as well as the biodiversity that exists in our place. It is my greatest wish to bring out stories of the little known people and communities from this region to the country at large."
A rice beer brand that pays tribute to the seven sisters
For 7 United founder Keenan K Marak, the rice beer brand isn’t just a business venture but a cultural mission to showcase northeast India’s unique relationship with the indigenous drink.
A Tangkhul Naga writer’s quest to keep his community’s memories alive
Jim Wungramyao Kasom, a Tangkhul Naga writer shares the inspiration behind his works and the importance of writing for a community that relies heavily on oral traditions to preserve its history.
Tangkhul Nagas stare at threadbare future of backstrap weaving
Backstrap weaving is woven into the cultural fabric of the indigenous Tangkhul Naga community. With changing preferences and mechanical looms producing cheaper garments, the art of backstrap weaving appears to be on the threshold of oblivion.
Shaktiman – How a military truck became an off-road king in Manipur
Shaktiman, a medium-capacity truck that was used by the Indian defence forces from 1959 to 1996 enjoys a new lease of life as a multipurpose off-road truck in the hilly Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur.
Mount Wuya Kachui – Manipur’s mystical hillock of flowers
The mist-covered Wuya Kachui, which translates to Mountain of Sleep Paralysis thanks to a local legend, is popular for its wuyawon or pink orchid ginger flowers that clothe the hillsides in pink in July every year, attracting tourists.
‘I want to make movies about the northeast’
Riah Taipodia, the director of the film Khiew Ranei which will be screened at Village Square’s Chitrashaala Short Film Festival, talks to us about her movie and her dream of telling more stories from the northeast.
Manipur’s Naga entrepreneur champions indigenous farming practices
From using local berries in chocolates to rewilding and revitalising tribal forests, this confectioner is championing indigenous food systems in Manipur.
100-yr-old shawls to WW-II objects, Manipur woman preserves relics
From old traditional attire to ‘Mickey Mouse money’, Vasai Zimik Ringkhanring from Sirarakhong village in Manipur owns a collection of over 1,000 historical artefacts amassed over 20 years
The exuberant post-wedding bridal march of Tangkhul Nagas
Ngala katha remains a prominent tradition in Tangkhul Naga weddings, enduring despite modernization. The vibrant post-wedding march from bride's to groom's house is cherished as its highlight.
A Manipur village dares to dream, one Kachai lemon at a time
The Kachai lemon of Manipur has transcended its role as a mere fruit to become a catalyst for economic empowerment and self-reliance for people.
Manipur kindergarten kids learn to rock
Pam’s Kindergarten in Ukhrul seamlessly integrates music with the foundations of early education, showcasing the remarkable talents of its young students, particularly with the ukulele.
This Manipur designer’s creations echo tribal roots
Designer Easternlight Zimik draws from tribal heritage for his latest kashan (wraparound) collection, aiming to redefine conventional attire and empower rural Ukhrul's weavers.
Tangkhul Naga catering start-up transforms traditional feasts
In Manipur’s Ukhrul district, where the concept of catering is a novelty, Hao services caterers has revolutionised Tangkhul Naga norms surrounding feasts and empowered local women, who cook magical dishes and earn a decent income.
Shirui lilies add to Manipur colour amid concerns
Locals say Manipur’s state flower faces serious threats from the influx of tourists who will descend shortly like every year to witness them bloom in Kashong peak.
How women’s market sustains indigenous food system
The Tangkhul community of Ukhrul in Manipur relies heavily on agriculture, besides foraging. Women play an important role in it. Ava Market is the ‘women only’ market in town where herbs, plants and wild edibles are sold daily.
Kenbo motorbikes of Chinese make riding high in Manipur despite ban
Kenbo, an inexpensive motorbike of Chinese make smuggled across the border, continues to be a rage in Ukhrul and Kamjong because of many advantages compared to Indian motorcycles, even though they are banned.
Trials and tribulations of Manipur’s six-a-side football
Popularity of football matches with lesser number of players are at its peak in Ukhrul district of Manipur despite state and national federations decreeing against it.
Manipur youngster tackles life’s odds to scorch football pitch
Scolded often for neglecting studies and obsessing over football in earlier times, Hormipam Ruivah from Manipur today plays for Kerala Blasters and is a sporting icon.
Manipur’s drug saviour
Pamkhuila Shaiza, 36, and her Bredwell Correctional Facility in Ukhrul counsel hundreds of substance abusers and strive to support them in their arduous journey towards rehabilitation.
Photo essay: Sowing seeds of festivity in Manipur
The Tangkhul tribe in Manipur sows seeds – with so much fun and fanfare – it’s an annual festival. The Luira Phanit festival is celebrated a little differently in each village. Here’s a look at Nungbi Khullen’s celebration.