Some of those who voted yes had this to say:
• I think they are slowly beginning to assert themselves. The old generation of entrepreneurs were too dependent on the government, bureaucrats and non-local businessmen; but now the young entrepreneurs are more creative, and less dependent on non-locals. With a little push from the government and with better opportunities, the new breed of entrepreneurs will definitely leave their footprints in Naga history.
• Of course they are doing every bit of work on their own. The Govt can only sit n stare, as they have no means to uplift the pvt sectors.
• Its sad to know that Nagas are good entrepreneurs on their own, but lack the support from our govt sector to sustain the momentum. All we need is a helping and guiding hand from our Govt. Or else, we as Nagas are potential money makers.
• There are only an handful of people who can say we have done something 4 our own people. Not all pvt entrepreneurs are GIVERS. All they think is for themselves. Any developments taking place is not affecting the common man. We need supports from these sectors as well as govts backing to uplift our economy.
• Against all odds the business community in Nagaland has been surviving. Inspite of govt apathy, random demand from factions, extortion by individuals and illegal taxes, the business community has learned how to survive in very difficult circumstances. Now a new group of young entrepreneurs are making its mark in society. They have innovative ideas, they have experienced the world, and most importantly they have the passion to do something for the society. Given all these aspects, they can and will contribute positively to society. In the last 3-4 years you are already witnessing some of these changes taking place in towns like Kohima and Dimapur. What they now need is some encouragement from society and some constructive suggestions and advice.
• NO matter how perceptible their contributions maybe, I’m convinced the first time Naga entrepreneurs at large are doing good enough utilizing their caliber and capabilities in their own way for the development and welfare of the state with a sense of accommodation but are the general public aware of the perennial service and assistance of those pioneering entrepreneurs and feel appreciative and grateful about them? Come on, don’t be like a parasite or hanger-on! Meanwhile, their relevance needs maintenance vis-à-vis the fellow entrepreneurs in the world of cutthroat competition by sharpening their entrepreneurial skills and change their aforesaid attitude while focusing on solid work ethics and keep thriving on perseverance, enterprise and consistency. Then why not, the Naga entrepreneurs can contribute hugely no only for the home state but the country and far beyond as they are second to none and playing second fiddle isn’t in our nature.
Some of those who voted no had this to say:
• No, unfortunately the young Naga entrepreneurs do not have much of a voice to contribute towards any form of development in Nagaland. They may have a lot of concern for the people, but the space is just not there for them to contribute. This needs to change, but till it changes, the entrepreneurs, not by choice, but out of circumstances is unable to contribute towards the growth of Nagaland.
• Most of the young Naga entrepreneurs are trying hard to stabilize and earn a living for themselves. Only when they are stable and their business is running well can they contribute to society. But right now, just look at the number of taxes they are paying, cuts to government officials and so on. It will take more than three times the actual time before they actually become stable.
• They mostly tend to their own community and are self-centered.
• No, how can they when they are so busy trying to meet the demands of extortion and other taxes.
• Nagas never think 4 others. Selfish and own profit.
• Nagas have lost that sense of community belonging where those who are more wealthy contributes in developing the society. Today, the negative aspects of westernization has crept into the Naga mind. Today the Naga attitude towards sharing and developing the society has been replaced by individualism and consumerism. Naga entrepreneurs have lost the value of sharing and giving, which ironically is also the most stable form of investment in any business. Naga entrepreneurs are no longer investing in the people, they are only thinking of making money, because today, only money power and economic status talks in the Naga context.
• We have all lost the value of sharing with each other. Today, greed, selfishness and love for money have become the pillars of the Naga society. These pillars are not going to last forever, they are going to destroy the Nagas, and when these pillars fall, they are really going to fall hard on us all.
• No, I feel over the years, Nagas have become self centered and mean. Not everyone but yes generally or else we’ll have a different Nagaland by now.
• They just dont care for society. They fail to realize that they are also part of the Naga society and that unless the Naga people grow as a whole in an equitable way, the society will never progress because the gap between the rich and the poor would be too wide. Those with the money and power, they have this false notion that they can take the society for granted, but this is not healthy. They take comfort by going out and staying there and even encouraging their children to settle outside Nagaland, but will this actually help them. I dont think so. Unless some kind of revolutionary thinking takes place, the Nagas are on the path of self-destruction.
• No, the concept of social entrepreneurship has not taken root in Naga thinking, and without a change in mindset, Naga businessmen and women will think of no one but themselves and will work only for their own financial benefit, rather than for the upliftment of society.
Some of those who voted others had this to say:
• The opinion of the business community is rarely sought in the Naga context. All over the world, it is the business community and entrepreneurs who are often taking the leading role in rebuilding or developing their respect country, but here in Nagaland, they are needed only when tax, free will contribution or donations are needed. Whether it is the government, underground factions, churches, hohos, NGOs and students, they only go to the business people only when they need money. Very rarely do they go seeking their opinion. It is also time that the business community and entrepreneurs start asserting themselves and sharing their opinions and views more clearly so that their contribution can be felt. In many ways they are the unsung heroes.
• You must be kidding me? No one here is concerned about society, it is every man for himself. The law of survival of the fittest is very alive in Nagaland.
• I dont think they are socially sensitive and conscious enough to contribute in a way that will be positive to Nagaland. Generally speaking, Nagas have become rather narrow in thinking and they tend to compartmentalize everything. If today, a businessman starts taking active role in the social development of the society, people will say, stick to business, that is your field. In the same way they will tell a theologian not to get involved in politics. This narrow thinking limits people's contribution. We need people who are willing to cross the barrier and contribute. There are not too many entrepreneurs today who are willing to cross the line and contribute to society.
• It will take another generation to come to the forefront before entrepreneurship plays a active role.
• Are there even any entrepreneurs in Nagaland? I have not heard of any. Maybe all are just trying to survive and make a living that they dont have any time, resource or energy to make significant contribution to society. But its high time that the entrepreneurs start taking an active role in society and providing some leadership for the growth and welfare of the people.
• Naga entrepreneurs can only if we work really hard in improving our work ethics and if we are consistent in our performance.
• There are only a few Nagas who have done extremely well in the field of business. They have worked very hard through government contract and other businesses to reach where they have reached. However, even though they are in a very good position they have not shown any quality of giving and promoting towards the society. This is very unfortunate, because the young breed of Naga entrepreneurs are looking for role models, who think beyond just financial gains. But today there are no role models as such, so tomorrow the present generation will carry on their profit making in a selfish way.
