Feature image courtesy: E-Pao Manipur/X

If you thought vegetable scraps belonged in the compost bin, Manipur-based artist Nelly Chacheya is here to change your mind. Tucked away in the Senapati district, Nelly has mastered the craft of transforming discarded corn husks and silks into delicate, hand-crafted dolls that are equal parts art and sustainability statement.

At first glance, they might look like elegant souvenirs, but a closer look reveals an inspiring story of one woman’s creativity and commitment to greener living.

A florist with a curious eye

Nelly didn’t begin as a dollmaker. For years, she worked as a florist, arranging fresh blooms and tossing the wilted leftovers into the bin. But one day, as she sorted through vegetable scraps, especially corn husks from her family kitchen, she noticed the soft texture and structure they offered. What if these weren’t just waste, but raw material for something beautiful?

Her first doll was an experiment. Using........

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