Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative

Chumukedima, October 5 (MExN): One day orientation programme on ‘Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative’ for youths in and around Chumukedima was conducted on September 30 at CPO Hall by Pro Rural in collaboration with Quest Alliance and Accenture.  

According to a press release, Thungbemo Patton, EAC, Chumukedima, who was the special guest of the programme, pointing out that nothing can substitute hard work stated, “If you want to achieve something in life you need to set the dream clear and keep the hope alive and always be motivated by your dream.” He added, “Sincere prayer and dedication towards achieving your dream is must.”  

Neibuno Khro, Advisor, Mothers’ Association, Chumukedima, also exhorted the participants and reminded that youth aspiring to be entrepreneurs cannot compromise on vision, sincerity and hard work.  

Resource person Lezo Putsure, Director, YouthNet, mentioned that any business in the initial stages go through struggles. Stating that problems can be good opportunities for business, he maintained that the important thing in business is service. He shared his testimony of how he used to be a newspaper boy while a student in Bangalore, and how he had to stand in queue to get the cheapest food in UK.  

While highlighting the Project, Adahe Neli said that Dimapur, being the only commercial city for Nagas, each year hundreds and thousands of young people are continuously migrating to explore economic and job opportunities. “However, the irony is that the available economic and job opportunities cannot absorb the rate of migration resulting to chaos, rapid rise of petty crimes and other illicit activities,” he stated. Citing a survey conducted by Pro Rural-Peace Coalition Northeast India on youth related issues in Dimapur, he observed, “Many of the youth violence in Dimapur are centred on economic opportunities.”  

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the young people on unemployment and livelihood scenario in the state, a panel discussion was organized last year at DABA on the theme 'Fostering Economic Opportunities for Building Peaceful Society through promoting Dignity of Labor and Entrepreneurial skills.' The findings of survey and recommendation of the panel discussion has led to the “Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative.”  

Neli opined that the Naga traditional concept of dignity of labour needs to be re-inculcated amongst the younger generation. “Despite the glitter and glamour of wealth and technology, what actually is staring in the face of our society is uncertainties and gloom. The saddest and biggest threat in the Naga society may not be poverty per se but the loss of dignity of labour,” he maintained.  

Delivering the welcome address, Athilu Khrasi introduced Pro Rural and its activities and highlighted the traits in the project. A series of orientation programme will be conducted in different localities which will be followed by training, Khrasi informed.