Khamtimon with Laishah, Eri Weaves Founder
In the picturesque state of Meghalaya nestled amidst the breathtaking hills, a young girl who lost her eyesight at the age of 12, but her spirit remains unbroken. She has a special gift—her nimble fingers possess a remarkable ability to create intricate wonders. From Kdonghulu village of Rhi-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, Ms.Khamtimon, is working under a Rhi-Bhoi based brand called Eri Weaves founded by Laishah Rymbai.
Undeterred by the blindness, Khamtimon finds solace in the beauty of her surroundings through her heightened senses. The fragrance of the blooming flowers and the whispers of the wind fills her world with magic in the darkness. However, it is the enchanting tale of the Eri silkworm that fascinates her the most. Khamtimon longed to spin Eri silk, to create something exquisite with her hands. Her sister being a full-time weaver at ERI WEAVES, she allowed her fingers to navigate and control the process of handspunning and with utmost patience, Khamtimon learned handspinning of Eri silk solely by touch and feel. Day after day, Khamtimon sits by her weaver sister, her hands gracefully draw out slender yarns from the cocoons. Her fingertips became her eyes, and she learned to gauge the thickness and texture of the thread as it spun. From this effort she is complimenting her family income by INR. 2000 to 3000 per month.
Khamtimon Handspinning Eri yarn
Team NEHHDC stumbled upon this heartwarming discovery as we ventured into this weaving community in Kdonghulu for the survey of our ongoing project of Market development by way of digitalisation, authentication and implementation of traceability in the handloom sector of NER and encounter Khamtimon who possesses an extraordinary talent for hand-spinning Eri silk.
Khamtimon’s remarkable journey highlights the importance of empowering individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. Her story will inspire others to embrace their talents and overcome any obstacles they encounter. In the face of adversity, she has found her calling and now handspining a future filled with possibilities.
NEHHDC has vowed to support her in any which way possible. God speed to Ms.Khamtimon who stands before us as an epitome of impressive skill & elegance.