Elhio Lotha, Lighting up homes

Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | April 24  

Somebody once said that, “solving electrical problems can be like playing detective” requiring a lot of logical thinking to figure out loose ends. This is perhaps one of the many challenges that an electrician battles with as part of the profession. Elhio Lotha has spent a major part of his life being one, and has lighted many homes ever since he ventured into this not-so-conventional career over two decades back.  

Trained at Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Kohima in 1996, he comes across as one, who has found fulfillment in his everyday job. In the initial years of his career, he worked with Vodafone and the Hukato Naga Company for a couple of years apart from being employed in the Power Department as a field staff for a period of 3 years. He however quit all of these to pursue his passion with greater zest, and currently works independently, taking in projects that come his way. Towards this end, he has also provided employment to two people, who assist him in these projects.  

Over the many years of his experience, Elhio Lotha has been instrumental in completing wiring for 200 buildings in different locations spread across Kohima, Wokha and mostly concentrated in Dimapur, where he is based. A man of discipline, he confesses that “I don’t take on another project unless I finish the one I am working on.” “I maintain a register everyday to keep record of things”, he adds.  

Electricity, according to him is one of the main features of construction and he is happy to have had no complaints so far in the numerous projects he has undertaken over the past 20 years. Towards this end, he also says, “I give 40-50 years guarantee.” Quality, after all is the outcome of one’s sincere effort.  

The 43-year old Electrician strongly feels about the diminishing “work culture” in the Naga society and in this regard, emphasizes that, “Nagas need to learn work culture”. Elhio Lotha is a matriculate and grew up in Dimapur. He received his early education from Government Higher Secondary School, Dimapur and is a firm believer that hard work pays.  

The father of two children is a licensed electrician and works from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. One of his earliest memories of childhood is waking up at 4:30 am in the morning and he continues to be an early riser, a healthy habit, which has benefitted him in ways more than one.  

*Year of Construction Workers (YOCW) is a joint program of the Government of Nagaland in partnership with YouthNet, Zynorique and the Department of Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.