Guwahati: A pink box of artisanal lotus tea from Manipur’s iconic Loktak Lake has emerged as an unlikely symbol of Northeast India’s growing global identity after being selected as a diplomatic gift by PM Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson.
Produced under the Sanajing Sana Thambal (SST) initiative near Loktak Lake, the tea blends indigenous knowledge, sustainable harvesting, women-led entrepreneurship, and the ecological heritage of Manipur into a speciality wellness product now attracting international attention.
The initiative is led by botanist Bijiyashanti Tongbram, whose innovative work with lotus-based products had earlier drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. In the landmark 100th episode aired in April 2023, Modi once again acknowledged her efforts in creating livelihood opportunities for rural women through lotus-based enterprises.
Tongbram is regarded as the first person in India to extract fibre from lotus stems and transform it into products such as stoles, scarves, mufflers, and neckties using natural dyes. Her fascination with the lotus flowers growing abundantly in Loktak Lake eventually evolved into a larger mission after she began studying research on the medicinal and ecological properties of the plant.
According to Tongbram, while lotus flowers were commonly used, the stems were largely discarded as waste. That realisation led her to experiment with eco-friendly lotus fibre extraction and later develop lotus-based tea products. The idea began taking shape around 2017, followed by nearly two years of experimentation and entrepreneurship training under the Ministry of MSME.
For communities living around Loktak Lake, the tea’s selection as a diplomatic gift is being viewed as far more than a ceremonial gesture.
“It is not only about tea — it represents the story, heritage, and resilience of the people connected to Loktak Lake,” those associated with the initiative said, describing the recognition as a moment of pride and opportunity for Manipur’s local communities.
Producers say the tea was chosen because it reflects the unique identity, biodiversity, craftsmanship, and sustainability ethos of Manipur and the wider Northeast region. Beyond its quality as a beverage, the product carries a larger message about indigenous entrepreneurship and community-driven innovation emerging from the region.
By gifting Loktak Tea to the Swedish Prime Minister, they believe India is showcasing Northeast India as culturally rich, environmentally conscious, and capable of producing premium, globally relevant products. “It also helps challenge the idea that development and innovation only come from major metropolitan cities,” those involved with the initiative noted.
Loktak Tea’s identity remains deeply intertwined with the ecology of Loktak Lake, globally known for its floating phumdis and rich biodiversity. Producers say the lake’s humid environment, freshwater ecosystem, and naturally growing lotus plants contribute to the tea’s light, earthy flavour, floral aroma, and calming character.
The production process remains community-led and chemical-free, involving local villagers, women’s groups, and small-scale producers in harvesting, drying, processing, and packaging the tea using traditional methods. Tongbram started the Sanajing Sana Thambal collective in 2019 with around 10 local women who were trained to extract lotus fibre from their homes, enabling them to earn supplementary income while balancing household responsibilities. The collective has since expanded, creating livelihoods for women artisans and local weavers.
Environmental conservation continues to remain central to the philosophy behind the tea. Producers stress that commercial growth must remain balanced with protecting the fragile ecosystem of Loktak Lake, which supports both biodiversity and the livelihoods of thousands of people in Manipur.
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The growing visibility of Loktak Tea is also helping reshape global perceptions about Northeast India’s tea heritage beyond the established identities of Assam and Darjeeling. Supporters believe speciality teas from Manipur can offer a distinct terroir, artisanal identity, and cultural narrative capable of attracting premium international markets.
For many in Manipur, Loktak Lotus Tea is no longer just a local wellness beverage — it is steadily becoming a cultural ambassador carrying the story of Loktak Lake, its people, and Northeast India’s evolving artisanal economy to the world stage.
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