Kohima, March 28 (MExN): On the occasion of the Annual Day of Young Indians, a public session on “Leading Nagaland into the future- Youth, Entrepreneurship and Development”, organized by Young Indians (Yi) Nagaland Chapter, was held today at Hotel Vivor, Kohima. Speaking on the occasion, Ben Imchen, Chair Yi (Nagaland Chapter), while pointing out entrepreneurship is a key to development highlighted the various initiatives and achievements of Yi (Nagaland Chapter) since its inception in 2008. Presentations were also made to the resource persons and students and leaders.
Poonam Shah Srinath, Chair, Yi (Vizag Chapter) in her special address remarked, “Young Indians (Yi) is an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led organization playing a proactive role in India’s development process.” Formed in the year 2002, with a vision, “To become the voice of Young Indians globally”, Yi provides a platform for young Indians to participate and contribute by becoming an integral part of the Indian growth story. With 35% of the total Indian population below 20 years of age she stressed on the need to make India a developed economy by 2022. Applauding Nagaland for bringing out 6 legislators below the age of 40 years she remarked how Yi, a group for people between 25-40 years focuses on playing an important role in regard to Young Entrepreneurship with help from "angel" investors.
Chairman,CII - Nagaland State Council and CEO, Window Media, Dr. Aotoshi, speaking on the role of CII & Yi in leading Nagaland into the future, remarked that many entrepreneurs had paved their own paths of decline in the rush to accumule wealth. He stated that entrepreneurs need to be steadfast and persevere to make it big. Complimenting Yi (Nagaland Chapter) for being an active group and keeping CII on their toes, he acknowledged them for carrying out 60% of the work of CII. Emphasizing on the need for Yi to bring changes in the economy of Nagaland he said, “Entrepreneurial backwardness can be a good thing because it gives us an opportunity to learn and grow from our experiences as well as others’ experiences too. We need to use different approaches to accomplishing things instead of the usual stereotype approaches.” Expressing happiness on how the younger generation had become conscious of VAT, Service Taxes , PAN Cards and congratulating Yi for contributing ten years of service in building the National Economy added, “Entrepreneurship if employed in true spirit can be a major boon to development.”
Legislator and former Yi Chair (Nagaland Chapter), Mmhonlumo Kikon who is still a member of Yi, speaking on the role of Yi- nationally& regionally, commented how despite setbacks in the early stages, Yi (Nagaland Chapter) had continued to grow. Pointing out that too much reliance on central funds and government jobs have been a root cause for the dismal economy of Nagaland, he stressed on the need for youths to take initiatives in making the state a self generating economy by addressing and educating themselves of policies that impact economy and livelihood. Highlighting the benefits of joining Yi which has been a good platform for aspiring politicians through interactions with young and brilliant minds around the world, he also explained the benefits of the Look East policy, reason North East India being the only land linked to South East Asia. Calling on the need for initiatives to improve the economy of the State he related how an Ambassador of a certain country in his discussion and interaction on the Look East Policy at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama had expressed confidence of India overtaking China in capturing the South East Asian market with Nagaland playing an integral part. Assuring full co-operation, he encouraged the Yi members to frame out policy suggestions in making Nagaland an economically independent state adding, “To dream of a better Nagaland, we need to be personally involved in bringing about changes, we need to prioritize governance, dealing issues with creativity.” He ended his address with a brief overview on social auditing and the role of Yi in helping make social auditing possible in various districts.
Zaren Odyuo Co- Chair Yi (Nagaland Chapter) in his closing remarks called on Yi members to focus their works from the grassroot level.
