Imtinaro Longkumer
Dimapur | January 3
Almost a year after launching ‘Jeman’ cycle rickshaws in Dimapur, Manen Longkumer, the man behind the improvised rickshaws informed that his business is doing well, with positive response from the public in the town and from other states of India as well.
The brand name ‘Jeman’, unknown to many of the public (or at least for now) is a combination of two names – Jemti and Manen, where Jemti (Manen’s uncle) is the financial source and Manen is the man behind the creative innovation. Manen launched his new product on February 4, 2006, with nine cycle rickshaws and throughout the year, he said to have 29 rickshaws, where 10 were sold with Rs. 7800 each. His main objective in setting up this product was not solely for self-employment, but also to demonstrate ‘dignity of labor’ as much as to replace the old rickshaws in town with a better model. Slogans of HIV/AIDS behind the rickshaws are also put up to spread awareness to the people. However, Bible verses are in the focus to spread the message of God to the people, he informed.
The new models of Jeman rickshaws, compared to the old rickshaws in Dimapur are in demand and the public also shows positive response towards it as it is more spacious, comfortable, lighter in weight, “protects the passengers from heat/rain” and safer especially for school children, handicapped persons and elderly people. And of course, spreading touching messages through socially-conscious slogans.
With an office at Nepali Basti, Manen also plans to open a workshop of his own where he can manufacture his goods. Although he said to face difficulty in getting raw materials, Manen’s business is stable with gradual improvements. With the positive outlook of investing his creative skills, Manen was of the opinion that one should make use of own creative talent and skill. He added that, “models of mobile phones will change everyday, but a chilli will remain a chilli. Farming is the best option for employment so if you are sitting idle, pick up the spade and hoe, get to work- because success is only for people who are determined”.
