Manipuri women protest violence on canvas

Women in Manipur are not only making their livelihoods by wielding paintbrushes, but have also found a means in the paintings to let their anger come out against the violence perpetrated by the insurgents in the State.

By L C K Singh

Imphal, Dec 2 : Women in Manipur are not only making their livelihoods by wielding paintbrushes, but have also found a means in the paintings to let their anger come out against the violence perpetrated by the insurgents in the State.

Helping these women in their endeavours is the Imphal Arts College.

Young girls, even from the remote areas of Manipur, overcoming traditional barriers are moulding their lives on their own terms.

In the last two years, the number of female students enrolled in the Imphal Arts College has gone up phenomenally.

"Earlier, there were just a couple of female students in the college. But now, there are as many girls as boys. Girls are taking a keen interest in arts," said Imphal Art College Principal Y. Nabachandra.

In a State, where violence unleashed by the underground outfits leaves very little scope for an individual's personal growth, for these women paintings act as a medium to express their feelings and feel at ease.

S. Seityabati Devi, an artist, said: "I have portrayed whatever is happening around in our society. The things that have touched me or affected me."R.K. Shangrila Devi, another artist, said: "Presently, I am following the theme (in paintings) that human beings have limitations. I mean that sun, moon, stars in the sky are eternal and will survive till the universe exists. But, human life is transient."

The women of Manipur are leading a silent, but powerful movement through their brush strokes, against the degrading forces.

ANI