Imphal: In a resounding triumph, the online pre-sale campaign of the dolls stitched by internally displaced women sheltered in relief camps in the ethnic strife-hit Manipur exceeded expectations and has become a global movement for empowerment, storytelling, and mental health healing.
Initiated by ‘1 Million Heroes,’ an international brand based in Singapore, ‘Stitching Hope’ equips displaced persons with skills in the Japanese craft art of amigurumi. Detailed templates, tools, and materials were provided to create dolls that tell stories of resilience, as a viable means to sustainable livelihood of persons affected by the ethnic violence that has so far claimed close to 200 lives and displaced over 60,000 persons internally.
The online pre-sale Kickstarter campaign ran from October 7 to November 5 and garnered $ 11,000 worth of pre-sale orders coming in from all across the globe with North America topping the list, followed closely by Australia, Europe, and Asia.
The Kickstarter campaign’s success, doubling its initial goal, is attributed to a blend of compassion and the therapeutic aspect of crafting dolling, according to Monish Karam, the visionary behind ‘1 Million Heroes.’ “The success of the campaign is not just about numbers; it’s about the human connection. It’s about children around the world learning from the stories of resilience, and it’s about our artisans finding healing and purpose through their craft,” Karam said.
As the campaign transitions to the production phase, resilient women artisans are not merely crafting dolls; they are shaping a narrative of hope and reclaiming control over their lives. The promise of delivering dolls with augmented reality before December’s end ensures these tangible symbols of shared stories and collective empowerment reach homes globally.
The augmented reality experience breathes life into the dolls, turning each into a storyteller sharing tales of Manipur’s courage and indomitable spirit. This technological innovation becomes a bridge connecting disparate worlds, sharing the story of Manipur with children globally.
‘Stitching Hope’ transcends economic stability; it becomes a therapeutic journey for the inmates. Khundrakpam Athoi Leima, a mother of two from Serou, shares how doll-making not only promises financial empowerment but also aids in overcoming the trauma of violence, offering a healing process. “While the economic aspect of stitching these dolls is what got me interested to join in, I realized it also helped me in easing my mind a lot as the process of craft took me out of the bad memories of the violence. It is also healing me I would say, “ Leima said.
As these dolls embark on their global journeys, they carry not only stories and craftsmanship but also the transformative power of hope. The ‘Stitching Hope’ campaign by ‘1 Million Heroes’ stands as a testament to the profound healing force found in art and shared narratives, connecting hearts globally through the threads of resilience and creativit.
