AMG accessories, based in Arunachal, is  much more than a fashion statement, it is a ray of hope for cancer patients.

Jun Taki

It is not uncommon to come across AMG stalls at local events in Itanagar, displaying a range of handmade bead jewellery and curios. One of the reasons why people are attracted to these stalls is because of the beautiful creations but that is not the whole story. The main reason why people of all ages have started taking an interest in AMG products is to help those in need. After all, the proceeds earned goes to economically weak cancer patients. AMG's story is that of triumph against all odds and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Fighter 
Being diagnosed with cancer and the trauma of leaving loved ones behind can rob anyone of their ability to think straight. What's worse, sometimes even after conquering it once, it comes back. Mentally and physically, the disease can bring a person to the point of no return. But then, there are some champions who refuse to bow down to this deadly disease without a fight. 28-year-old Amung Tadu Lollen, a cancer survivor, showed the whole world that life can be meaningful, productive and serve as an inspiration for others, even while battling one of the most harrowing diseases known to mankind.
Amung completed her graduation from Delhi University and masters from IGNOU
While undergoing treatment at NEIGHRIMS, Amung was thankful that her family was capable of affording her medical expenses. But at the same time, she was touched to see fellow patients unable to receive treatment as their families couldn’t bear the expenses. It was during this difficult phase that Amung met another cancer patient and felt inspired to help others through her self taught talent for making bead jewellery and other craft. Her chemotherapy sessions here became the start of AMG Accessories, aimed at helping cancer patients not only financially, but also extending crucial moral support.
Blurb: A native of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, she tied the knot with Molee Lollen (lead vocalist of the band Yesterdrive) few months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2016
Tragically for Amung, the cancer came back strong and she succumbed to the disease on 17 July, 2018. However, her dream is still going strong with a little help from her close knit friends. 
The Dream Lives On
AMG Accessories, named after Amung herself, is a purely non-profit organization. Located at Bank Tinali, it deals in exotic handcrafted products. Popular among all ages, the products tell the tales of her struggle, exemplary courage and passion.
AMG Accessories provides financial support to needy patients who cannot afford huge expenses incurred during treatment.

But their support services is not limited only to funding patients in need, they also create cancer awareness and provide skill development to dropouts and the unemployed. Unlike many other NGOs, AMG does not ask for donations. 

In its early days, it was run entirely with the products made by Amung. Presently, it is run by eight female members (all close friends of Amung) and four workers. The official outlet was launched on August 18, 2018. Publicity comes mainly from Facebook and Instagram page of the store. By April 2019, AMG Accessories sold thousands of units by participating in big programs such as Mrs India Pageant-2017, Mrs Planet, and Northeast Fashion Week, to name a few. They donated about rupees 2 lakh since its inception to several patients.
'I remember talking to Amung hours before she passed away. She knew she didn't have much time, but all she cared about was her pending work. Even in that condition, she was thinking about others. Back then, not every day was a good one as she was undergoing chemotherapy, but despite all odds, she retained her renewing spirit and fighter's attitude,' reminisces Kobyum Zirdo, Marketing Chief of AMG.
 'Not for a minute, did she rest. She was always on a table making things as she didn't want to waste a single moment.'
Zirdo who was close to Amung recalls whenever people would inquire about her health, she always replied smiling, 'Don't worry. I'm going to be fine.' She has once confessed that making AMG items helped keep her mind off the disease, and helping others gave her healing as well. 
Presently, there is a whole new line of accessories available under AMG, made by her friends. The collection includes hundreds of unique pieces that are on a constant mission to live up to its name. 
Keeping the Hope Alive
The workshop at the store has four workers who prepare all the products from jewellery to home decoration products through recycling and from beads, in addition to finished products donated by well-wishers. So, every customer who walks into the store enjoys a curated assortment of locally made products such as earrings, decorative flowers, dream-catchers, cards, paintings, as well as remarkable customer service that can’t be found anywhere else.
Speaking about the hurdles, Zirdo explains, 'We need more volunteers to help us mobilize things for the store and we need more active participation of people during the awareness programs. It is only when people discuss about it that true knowledge and awareness about cancer will spread.'
The team is also committed to producing high-quality products. 'Whatever is sellable, we sell it via pop-up stores, outsourcing and setting stalls, and we accept anything - cash, kind, to even services. No board member keeps a penny from the sales, instead we sometimes invest from our own pockets to keep the shop running,' informs Karrik Bam, Manager of AMG. A long-time friend of Amung and fulltime student, Bam, shares that apart from a small amount to pay rent and electricity charges including workers' wages, the earning from the sales goes to the welfare of needy patients. 'I remember, despite the heavy medication, she always had a smile on her face and carried a positive attitude. She is the one who inspired me to advocate for the cause.'
'We aren’t only selling earrings, but we 'selling' confidence in a sense. It’s a great way to serve others. People have been responsive to our products, requirements and are willing to help,' shared Likha Sonsie, President of the board. 'When she died, I wanted to do something to support other people who are going through the same process, and at the same, do something that my dear friend would be proud of.' Taking a deep breath, she added, 'Maybe she is not with us today, but she would be pleased to see, from another world, that the seed she sowed is now blooming.'
About the success of the venture, she revealed, 'We have been able to brainstorm together and think of creative solutions to any hurdles that we ran into. The registration of the AMG is under process, so let's see what happens when it is completed.' The trio is hopeful to make the joint venture a viable business model and 'brand' in the near future. They also aim to revolutionize the business by introducing new products that will support Amung's dream.
Amung’s story teaches us how we can interpret a problem and integrate it into our lives, while coexisting with it, and also helping others to understand what life is really about–loving and being loved, giving and sharing.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List