Dimapur — Recipient of Padma Shri Award for her contributions in the arts, Neihunuo Sorhie, received a rousing welcome at Dimapur airport on Sunday by her family members and well-wishers.
Interacting with the media persons at the airport, Sorhie shared that she began weaving at the age of four and expressed her gratitude to God for the award as she had faith that her hard work would eventually be recognised.
Sorhie explained that since weaving is a manual skill, it cannot be imposed on others but that an individual must willingly show interest in learning the craft to truly master the art of weaving. Sorhie said half-hearted attempts to learn weaving are not sufficient and one must be fully committed to the craft. She noted that even educated people are now entering the field of weaving. She recalled how people used to tease and ridicule her in the past, saying that even villagers had stopped weaving.
Sorhie mentioned that manual weaving is respected in other parts of the world, but unfortunately, it is not given much importance in Nagaland.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]On March 22, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented Neihunuo Sorhie with the Padma Shri Award for 2023 in the field of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Sorhie, a 60-year-old from the Angami community residing in Kohima, was one of the 47 Padma Shri awardees for the year 2023. She has received numerous other awards for her exceptional artworks (handicrafts) including the National Handloom Awards twice in 2007 and 2022, and the State Awards for Mastercraftsmen from the government of Nagaland in 2001.
Sorhie has also had the opportunity to represent India at a Naga weaving works exhibition in Paris, where she showcased the art of loin-loom weaving through her demonstrations.