Machines have always fascinated the imagination of the humble and hardworking Panthong Tikhir, 45, hailing from Shamator Village and settled in Kiphire.

Without having any formal qualifications in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Tikhir’s passion and hard seeking enthusiasm towards machines led him in creating and modifying effective and more reliable household machines earning him a name in his locality called “self- made machinist”.

Usually the machine items, which he modifies such as the Grinder are purchased from electrical shops after which he remove the parts by replacing better and effective blades and a larger grinding space which give far better results than the usual one in the market.

For instance, Panthong’s Corn grinding machine can grind around 14 kg (one tin) of corn with absolute efficiency and saves time, which can be powdered in just under four minutes . Panthong has also innovated varieties of machines for different purpose, basing on local requirements in his locality such as corn grinding, soyabean, rice etc which can be easily powdered at one’s home more reliably rather than going to a rice mill.

Passionate in crafts and basket making, the machinist has also been crafting for the past 24 years. His handicrafts such as machete handles are made from bamboo or cane.

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Panthong’s products are sold under the name: S. S. S.P Tikhir which stands for Shamator (his Birthplace), Sangnuliu (Clan’s name), Shiutolim (father’s name), and Panthong.

Often he does not keep a record of his machine sales but he says, “it’s not a bad sale” adding that the sales from his innovative products can atleast sustain his family. “I work according to the demands of what my customers needs and requires”, says Panthong. Panthong has four sons and three daughters who are pursuing their education in government schools while only one of his son is enrolled in private school in their quest for a better future.

The self made machinist wishes to experiment with different types of machines to improve his knowledge and skills but due to the lack of funds he is unable to explore and expand his business. However, his love and passion for machines still perseveres despite constraints, and Panthong hopes to build his own company and workshop in future.