Guwahati: In a resounding triumph, the online pre-sale campaign of the dolls stitched by the internally displaced women sheltered in relief camps in ethnic strife-hit Manipur exceeded expectations and has become a global movement for empowerment, storytelling, and mental health healing. Initiated by a Singapore-based organisation, stitching equipped the displaced women with skills in the Japanese craft art of amigurumi dolls. Detailed templates, tools, and materials were provided to create these dolls that tell stories of resilience, as a viable means to sustainable livelihood of people affected by the ethnic violence that has so far claimed the lives of over 180 people and displaced more than 60,000 internally, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur, said in a press release.
The online pre-sale Kickstarter campaign ran from October 7 to November 5 this year and garnered $ 11,000 worth of pre-sale orders coming in from across the globe with North America topping the list, followed by Australia, Europe, and Asia. The Kickstarter campaign’s success, doubling its initial goal, is attributed to a blend of compassion and the therapeutic aspect of crafting dolls, the release said.
As the campaign transits to the production phase, resilient women artisans are not only crafting dolls but they are shaping a narrative of hope and reclaiming control over their lives. The promise of delivering dolls with augmented reality before December end ensures these tangible symbols of shared stories and collective empowerment reach homes globally. The augmented reality experience breathes life into the dolls, turning each into a storyteller, sharing tales of Manipur’s courage and indomitable spirit. This technological innovation has become a bridge connecting disparate worlds, sharing the story of Manipur with children globally, it added.
One of the women sheltered in a relief camp, Khundrakpam Athoi Leima, a mother of two, shares how doll-making not only promises financial empowerment but also aids in overcoming the trauma of violence, offering a healing process.
“While the economic aspect of stitching these dolls is what got me interested to join in, I realised it also helped me in easing my mind a lot as the process of craft took me out of the bad memories of the violence. It is also healing me,” Leima said.
The DIPR release further said that as these dolls embark on their global journeys, they not only carry stories and craftsmanship but also the transformative power of hope. The campaign stands as a testament to the profound healing force found in art and shared narratives, connecting hearts globally through the threads of resilience and creativity.
The writer is a senior independent journalist covering the Northeast.
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