Quite contrary to other old age people in our present society who complain of poor health and stay put at their comfort zone citing age factor, however, for an 86-year-old HW Luiyao, ‘age is just a state of mind’ as she committedly continues to weave majestic Manipur’s Tangkhul tribe shawls proving herself to the rest of the world, sending a powerful message ,in particular, to the youths to follow their dreams.
A strong believer of making this world a better place and revisiting where the present generation have lost touch with nature, the octogenarian has been weaving shawls for the last many decades surviving on organic food. This is her passion and she finds true contentment in it. For her it’s not a burden and her advancing age poses no threat whatsoever as she is deeply immersed in her work.
People of her age were mostly bedridden if not breathed their last. Born and raised in the warmth comfort of her parents, a mother whom God has blessed her with many children have seen her husband and children passing away before her. The widow is a gem in her real sense as she exudes a ray of hope coupled with intact eyesight and healthy body.
For the Manipur’s Tangkhul community the art of weaving varied hues and shade of indigenous shawls is deeply rooted within their custom and traditions each having its own significance. The art of weaving through traditional methods is still a thriving practice in the lives of the native womenfolk amid introduction of machines.
A mother of eight children, the widow has no health issues when people her age were bedridden due to poor health. I consume anything that is organic. A god fearing mother, she emphasised that people have different roles and responsibility to shower in this journey of life.
“I weave not because I have no food over the table. I find inner joy by connecting with what I am passionate about. The mindset in our society is that once we reach 50 plus age we start complaining, injecting our mind with self-defeating thoughts. This is a wrong conception. We must stay strong. Socialising is another important factor that one should cultivate in life.”
Luiyao confided exclusively to the Imphal Free Press at his native resident, Hoomi village under Sagolmang area in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
My husband and four of my children are no more. However I am still blessed with my four beloved children, she narrated recalling the days when she was with all of them.
She also made a clarion call to the youths to eat healthy food and always stay positive. Life is beautiful amid ups and downs. In any pursuit be committed. Don’t take or consume anything which is not good for your health, she urges, referring specifically to young people of the day to abstain from drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants.
I want young people to be men and women of integrity, fear God, and find their true calling, Luiyao exhorted before busying herself with her daily weaving chores which she truly enjoys.
