In this file photo taken May 20, 2020, farmers are seen pulling weeds from a ginger field somewhere in Phek district. In a post-covid economy, experts say that opportunities available in agricultural business in Nagaland should be explored. (Morung file Photo)
NEISSR’s webinar examines role of entrepreneurs in post-covid socio-economic restoration
Dimapur, June 21 (MExN): Nagaland needs a good blend of “social profit making” business (social entrepreneur) and personal profit-making commercial business for future social, economic and political development of the State.
Neichute Doulo, CEO and founder of Entrepreneurs Association (EA) and a successful social entrepreneur, stressed on this while calling for their mixture during a webinar on “Role of entrepreneurs in community development in the post-covid socio-economic restorations” on June 19.
The 4th semester Master of Social Work (MSW) students of Dimapur-based North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) specialising in Community Development organised the webinar.
Further sharing experiences and achievements as a social entrepreneur, Duolo said choosing government job as career option in the present context can be extremely disappointing for the young generation and great wastage of State’s human resources when the need for entrepreneurship development is the priority.
Highlighting the opportunities available in agricultural business in Nagaland, he encouraged all the youth in general and MSW students in particular to join in entrepreneurship movement in the state for self-reliant economy under banner: “connect, change and grow.”
Lichan Humtsoe, Proprietor, Ete coffee, Kohima, another resource person at the event, briefed the participants about his journey of being an entrepreneur and his company, the first roasting coffee company in Nagaland.
He also gave information on the courses available at Ete coffee school and social entrepreneurship site as well as other empowering platform like Educate Motivate Lead (EML) network, and Employability of Youth Fund (EYF).
Humtsoe also highlighted about coffee committee meetup, created with an aim of “Justice through a cup” focussing on 5 thematic areas, i.e., farmers, resources, employees, employability and coffee.
Meanwhile, he contended that in the COVID-19 situation, Naga’s have nothing much to lose because they have never been in private sectors professionally.
Emphasising on the need for skills and entrepreneurship, he added: “If you don’t know how to make money without having money, you will never know how to make money even if you have money”.
Er H Alongse, Deputy Director, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Kohima, meanwhile, defined entrepreneurs as “anyone who is successful in own business”.
He also gave 4 essential tips for future entrepreneurs - do what you love, have a business mentor, start from small, and start today and don’t wait for tomorrow.
Alongse further noted that while resources are available in the State, no values are added and stressed on the importance of skills in the context of employability and needs of training facilities.
He cited the example of the new scheme to train COVID warriors introduced on June 18.
Focus on humanity if we want to be a successful entrepreneur, he added.
More than 120 participants, including past and present students, attended the seminar aimed at exploring opportunities of engaging as socially responsible entrepreneurs in the State’s post-covid economic restoration, informed a press release from NEISSR.
Dr Toli H Kiba, Coordinator, Community Development, moderated the sessions and A Yangshenmeila Nemdakly, MSW 4th semester (CD) conducted the webinar as the Master of Ceremony, it said.
Earlier, Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR in his welcome address emphasised the need of social entrepreneurship development in Nagaland state in solving many of the problems and contributing to Post-Covid economic recovery efforts.
Choosing social entrepreneurship as career option should begin by asking: ‘What can I/we do to enhance the economy of Nagaland as professional social workers? Anto added.
