Bijiyashanti Tongbram: Pioneering Lotus Silk from Manipur's Waters

From the floating islands of Loktak Lake, Bijiyashanti Tongbram has transformed waste lotus stems into India's first eco-luxury silk, founding Sanajing Sana Thambal Pvt. Ltd. in 2018. Featured in NDTV's Mission Impact "Crafting Clean Futures," her innovation empowers rural women artisans while championing sustainable fashion and zero-waste production.

Manipur Roots and Inspiration

Born in 1993 in Thanga Tongbram village, Bishnupur district, Bijiyashanti grew up surrounded by Loktak Lake's lotus blooms, the world's largest freshwater lake with floating phumdis. Daughter of fisherman Joykumar Tongbram, she earned a Botany honors degree from GP Women's College, Imphal (2014), initially dreaming of agritourism before pivoting to lotus stem fiber extraction amid resource limits. This shift addressed local pollution from discarded stems, turning ecological challenge into opportunity.

Revolutionary Lotus Fiber Process

Sanajing Sana Thambal extracts fine, silk-like fibers from lotus stems—a labor-intensive technique rare outside Myanmar and Cambodia—via women-led collectives. Stems yield yarn for handloom scarves, mufflers, shawls, and fabrics that rival silk in luster and strength, blended with traditional Manipuri weaves. Complementary products like blue lily and lotus flower teas utilize the full plant, ensuring sustainability. This preserves Manipur's handloom heritage while meeting rising global demand for ethical, plant-based textiles free from animal harm.

Community Upliftment

Employing dozens of local women—many home-based to juggle family duties—Bijiyashanti fosters economic independence in remote Thanga village. Her model provides alternative livelihoods around Loktak, curbing stem waste pollution, reviving aquatic ecosystems, and offering skill training in fiber processing and weaving. By prioritizing women and eco-practices, she builds resilient rural economies intertwined with cultural preservation.

National Spotlight and Expansion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her in Mann Ki Baat (2020, 2023), catapulting visibility. Honors include Krishak Awards (2021), 1st in Northeast Change Makers (2020), and funding from Manipur Startup Scheme, NEATEHUB's RKVY-RAFTAAR, and NECTAR. With bootcamps and export training under her belt, Bijiyashanti scales for international markets, blending tradition with commerce.