Manipur University Scholar Grows Craft Business to Multi-Million Rupee Success

Imphal: Sanju Akoijam, a doctoral student at Manipur University, met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 19. The meeting honored a group of artisans and weavers from northeastern states, with Akoijam serving as the only female representative from Manipur. This interaction followed an earlier invitation to showcase traditional Kauna grass crafts during the Republic Day reception at the presidential estate.

Akoijam founded H.I. Store, an Imphal-based online enterprise that sells handcrafted grass products, dried flowers, and traditional gifts. She began the business with an initial investment of Rs 3,000, and the company now projects an annual turnover of Rs 3 crore. Her success recently earned her a Rs 7 lakh grant as a top performer under the North Eastern Council's entrepreneurship scheme.

The scholar credits her academic mentors for helping her balance research with business development. Professor Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma supported her focus on sustainable livelihood models, while Assistant Professor Sorokhaibam Keshorjit Singh provided guidance on professional business pitching. Following her return to Manipur, Vice Chancellor Ganga Prasad Prasain honored Akoijam for her achievement in bridging the gap between academic work and successful entrepreneurship.