The first Governor’s Innovation Award was given to the State’s bow maker, Bachaspatimayum Chaoba Sharma, during a function at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday.
The award, which carries a citation, a trophy and Rs 50,000, was handed to the innovative bow maker, Chaoba by Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla.
Bow maker Chaoba, a resident of Brahmapur Nahabam in Imphal East district, specialises in manufacturing archery paraphernalia. He was once a junior engineer in the irrigation and flood control department which was recently renamed as Water Resource Department.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Heptulla said that the wood and bamboo bows made by B Chaoba Sharma are very light comparing with the steel ones being used by the archers in international and national competitions.
Their prices are within the affordable range of between Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 whereas the imported steel bows cost above Rs 2 lakh.
As most of the State’s sportsperson who brought laurels and medals for the nation are from middle class family, Chaoba’s invention will be very much useful in practicing the event, the lady Governor felt.
On the other hand, it will also encourage in bringing out many entrepreneurs in the State. It is learnt that the ‘Governor’s Innovation Award’ will not be limited to any field. The award, which is from Governor’s discretionary fund, will give to any Manipuri every year in recognition of their hidden talents, according to official sources.
Later, Pandit Nayer Ghose performed Sitar Recital as inauguration of SPIC MACAY’s ‘Viraasat’ series 2018-19 at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal,sources added.
