Kohima, May 5 (MExN): Aajeevika & Kushal Vikas Mela, an event of the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, was held with the theme 'Role of Women and Youth in Rural Development’ at SIRD Auditorium on May 5. The programme was organized by Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission and Department of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland.
According to a DIPR report, Aajeevika and Kaushal Vikas Mela an event of the Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan that began on April 14 till May 5 is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and other Central Ministries. The objective is to motivate the poorest of women, youth and their families in availing opportunities for personal growth and sustainable means of livelihoods. This event is being conducted across 29 blocks in nine districts to generate awareness amongst women, youth and their families about different government schemes.
Speaking at the event, Additional Secretary & Mission Director NSRLM, Athel O. Lotha said in Nagaland 71% of the total population lives in rural areas and therefore it is imperative that the rural economy of the state is developed if we are serious about economic development of the State.
Also highlighting the programmes of Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, she said the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) which started in the year 1980 directly targets the poor families for creation of assets and self-employment.
She added that National Rural Livelihoods Mission’s (NRLM) mandate is to reach out to all the poor families, link them to sustainable livelihood opportunities and nurture them till they come out of poverty and enjoy a decent quality of life. She said the overall framework of NRLM is enhancing livelihoods of the poor and it is achievable through various interventions such as access to financial capital in the form of revolving fund, community investment fund and bank loans. Further she said that the youths will benefit through programs on self-employment training and handholding support for enterprise set up. Also highlighting the objectives, she said that Aajeevika and Kaushal Vikas Mela is to motivate the poorest of women and youth, and create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and also a day to celebrate livelihood, skill development and women's empowerment.
An attraction of the event was Fashion Fusion Show by local designer and entrepreneur, Khrielasier Liezietsu. The fashion show showcased his latest design in Ethnic and Modern wear. The show stopper of fashion fusion was Ruopfuzhano Whiso, Miss India Nagaland 2018.
The programme was chaired by Additional Mission Director, NSRLM, Kevipodi Sophie. Invocation was pronounced by Pastor, Phezoucha Baptist Church, Keduoneituo Yhome. Power point presentation by Chief Operating Officer, NSRLM, M. Rollan Lotha.
Other highlights of the program were Folk song by Jano Nyekha, Folk Dance by Ungma Senso Telongjem, Kohima, Success stories were shared by Best Performing Self Help Group (CIG on spices), Tsungiki village under Wokha district, Best Performing VLO (Village Level Organization), Awangthemla from Yachem Village Longleng, Most Promising Entrepreneurship was awarded to Chalieseno Pfukha from Jhakama block and Rokose Tase from Chumukedima.
It was followed by a discussion on the role of youth and women in rural development which was paneled by Director, Nagaland Development Outreach, Rev. C. Amop Noklang; CEO Entrepreneurs Associates, Neichute Doulo; Founder YouthNet, Hekani Jakhalu; Asst. State coordinator, State Resource Centre for Women, Juliana Medom; CEO Pinnacle skills, Dr. Tan Murry.
