Dr Asangba Tzudir
Nagaland, in the recent years is witnessing a silent revolution, driven not by ‘politics’ of the day, but by the aspirations of its youth. In recent years, a wave of entrepreneurship has begun sweeping across the state, signalling a promising shift in mindset among Naga youth who are now seeing start-ups not just as career choices, but as avenues for transformation through the creation of economic pathways.
The situational context of government sector employment having reached saturation point coupled with the economic dependency syndrome seems to have also played it’s part in the minds of the youths in looking beyond conventional paths. Today, Naga youths are increasingly taking bold steps to launch businesses in a wide spectrum of fields including fashion, design, food, tech and other service sectors and doing pretty well. And it would not be wrong to say that the internet has helped them to a large extent in empowering them. Its all about smart adaptation.
Looking at the growing nature of startups, no doubt, while the ‘outside world’ influence is still a force, the Naga ‘soul’ is very much present, and it comes intertwined with Naga identity. Our Entrepreneurs are not just selling products, but they are making and promoting Naga culture.
The success of any entrepreneurial venture largely depends on Innovation in the generation of ideas, product creation, marketability and service. And the innovative spirit among the Nagas is highly commendable. It’s all about finding oneself and interest. Like the protagonist in the Web series, Dreams and Chaos, giving his heart and soul for ‘Kimbo’ was all about finding one’s interest.
However, challenges remain, and the greatest one being the risk especially the market, and uncertainties which includes high levels of financial and operational costs in the face of funding and limited access to capital.
We have also see business ventures closing down within a short time of its opening. This can be also due to lack of mentorship which definitely hinder the scaling of many promising ventures. A lot depends on the way we start, and there is a lot of learning to do from the non-nagas starting from life-style, investment and saving. However, market and sustainability are key aspects in the growth of business. Today, many young Naga entrepreneurs struggle with sustainability due to insufficient business education and market access.
What is indeed pressing is the need for the state government and private sector to continue to invest in start-up ecosystems with long term goals through funds, incubators, skill development, and access to digital infrastructure. All these and more will create an enabling environment that helps nurture ideas and mitigate risks towards the growth of business. With adequate support, entrepreneurship in Nagaland can become a powerful source for employment, self-reliance, and thereby a pride for a new Naga culture.
Considering the economic dependency syndrome, the growth of entrepreneurship is a hope not just for the sake of business, but a future where Naga youths will innovate, create, inspire and lead in the building of a free Naga society.
(Dr AsangbaTzudir writes weekly guest Editorials for the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
