Yievinyii Naga
President, Hiekha + NagaNext Education Services
In Nagaland a child grows up with dreams but those dreams are shaped by fear fear of failure fear of judgment fear of not becoming what society calls success Doctor engineer government job these words are repeated until they become walls instead of choices.
But deep inside many students feel a quiet voice saying this is not me.
The truth is not that our youth lack talent it is that their talent is never shown the path.
We come from a land full of culture stories and beauty yet we are taught to look outside for success while ignoring what we already have.
A piece of bamboo is not just bamboo it is identity it is survival it is art yet no one tells a student it can become a career through design architecture and global markets with support from North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council.
A field is not failure it is life growing it is opportunity Organic farming in Nagaland is not small it is powerful Naga chilli kiwi and spices can travel beyond borders but we were never taught to see it.
Our stories are not small Every tribe every village carries something sacred but we are slowly losing them What if a student chose to tell these stories through film and share them with the world through platforms like Netflix That is not just a career that is legacy.
Even a voice can become power Many feel shy of their language not knowing it can become strength through storytelling media and connection.
Nagaland is also hurting behind silence there is addiction anxiety and pain This is why we need young counselors who understand who listen who stay A career that heals lives not just earns money.
When the Hornbill Festival comes the world sees us but when it ends everything becomes quiet again What if students created experiences where people could live our culture every day not just once a year.
A shawl a craft a local product these are not small things they are identity Through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart they can reach the world.
But no one told the student that this is possible.
So many keep walking a path that is not theirs smiling outside but breaking inside.
This must change.
Your roots are not your weakness they are your power Nagaland is not behind it is unheard The youth are not lost they are waiting.
One student will choose differently one student will choose courage over fear and when that happens it will not just change one life it will change the story of Nagaland.
Hiekha + NagaNext Educational Initiatives: Two young educators reimagining education with roots in Naga heritage and eyes on the future.
Readers Can Reach Out to hiekhacoachingcentrekohima@gmail.com
