The word ‘tailor’ and ‘Sunrise Tailor’ have become synonymous to many a citizen of Mokokchung Town over the years. According to 70-year-old Tailor Master Y. Ibochou Singh, the current proprietor of Sunrise Tailor, the tailor shop was opened in the late 1960s.
Sunrise Tailor, presumably one of the longest running tailor shops in Mokokchung is located at A.M. Road, Alongmen Ward, Mokokchung.
Tailor Master Y. Ibochou Singh originally from Imphal, Manipur is presently a resident of Alongmen Ward, Mokokchung.
Ibochou recalls that he first came to Mokokchung in the month of April in 1971, after completing his 4 years tailoring training in Imphal. His journey with Sunrise Tailor started as a co-worker with the first Sunrise Tailor Master Jugikender Pal, a native of Punjab.
After a year in Mokokchung, Ibochou moved to Tuensang but later in the year 1976, he came back to Mokokchung to become the Master of Sunrise Tailor.
Ibochou revealed that he has been running the shop for more than 46 years in Mokokchung, adding that he would love to keep on with his work here if his health permits.
The 70-year-old Tailor Master asserted that “Mokokchung is one of the best places to work and live,” stating that “the people here are so friendly and the climatic conditions are good.”
Ibochou said that he currently employs 8-9 workers and occasionally his eldest son helps him. He also mentioned that his wife and 4 sons are back in Imphal.
Sunrise Tailor caters exclusively to men’s wear such as suits, blazers and uniforms.
He went on to say that the shop’s income peaks during the months of November and December, adding that his routine expenditure includes paying a monthly rent of Rs.3500 for his shop and Rs.750 -1000 yearly as professional tax.
According to Singh, ‘Sunrise Tailor’ was named by the first owner Jugikender the first master tailor of Sunrise Tailor. He said that the shop was opened in the late 1960s but can’t say the exact date for certain as he had not arrived in Mokokchung then.
“I feel as if Mokokchung is my own hometown where I have more known people than back at my hometown Imphal and I enjoy working here dealing with different kinds of people. I’m also very much satisfied with my work,” he concluded.