Manipur University, May 21, 2026:Manipur University proudly announces that Sanju Akoijam, a PhD Scholar from the Department of Economics, had the rare honour of interacting with the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 19th May 2026.
Sanju Akoijam was the only woman representative from Manipur among a select group of artisans and weavers from the Northeastern states invited for the special interaction. The invitees had made significant contributions to the ‘At Home’ Reception hosted by the Hon’ble President on 26th January 2026, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast through exquisite Kauna grass crafts and traditional handmade products.
This remarkable achievement reflects the inspiring mentorship of Prof. Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma, Department of Economics, Manipur University, who has played a vital role in guiding Sanju by integrating academic excellence with entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood development.
Sharing her experience, Sanju Akoijam stated, “My entrepreneurial journey received its first major boost at Manipur University when Dr. Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh, Assistant Professor, Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS), guided me in pitching my business projects for the first time. That initial support became the stepping stone of my career.”
She further shared that during the interaction at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the artisans and weavers were felicitated with pashmina shawls, hosted for lunch, and taken on a guided tour of the presidential estate. She described the experience as deeply inspiring and motivating, strengthening her commitment towards preserving indigenous crafts and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Sanju Akoijam, hailing from Singjamei Makha Oinam Thingel, Imphal East, is the founder of H.I. Store, Imphal, an online enterprise specialising in sustainable handcrafted Kauna grass products, dried floral arrangements, and traditional Northeastern gifts.
What began as a small venture with an investment of only ₹3,000 has now evolved into a promising enterprise with an expected turnover of ₹3 crore, operating primarily through online platforms. Her outstanding entrepreneurial achievements earned her a ₹7 lakh grant under the North Eastern Council’s (NEC) NEEDP Scheme, facilitated with the support of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of DoNER.
Manipur University remains committed to nurturing such exemplary mentorship and innovation-driven learning, empowering students to emerge as successful entrepreneurs and contributors towards the vision of Viksit Bharat while preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and the Northeast.
The achievement of Sanju Akoijam stands as a shining example of how academia, innovation, tradition, and entrepreneurship can come together to create meaningful social and economic impact.
