Pankaj Prabhakar, Kuolachalie Seyie, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and others during the inauguration of Maruti Suzuki Arena in Kohima on April 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 25
The first Maruti Suzuki Arena in North East India was inaugurated at Seyie Auto, Pezielietsie, Kohima on April 25. This showroom, the first of its kind in North East India, was inaugurated by Pankaj Prabhakar, Commercial Business (East) head of Maruti Suzuki India Limited and dedicated by Rev. Shan Kikon, senior pastor Faith Harvest Church Kohima.
Kuolachalie Seyie, CEO Seyie Auto said that he has a strong conviction that Nagaland can only be developed through business, industries and farming. Stating that most of the developed countries in the world too were developed through the same by certain individuals, he said “As such I have been doing my best to encourage the youth for the same all this years with little success. Then I realized that instead of telling others to go ahead with enterprising activities I must take the risk and do it myself to encourage them even though I have now crossed 70 years of age.”
He said that he “applied for Maruti Suzuki India Ltd dealership for Kohima territory and he got the dealership by the grace of God through the prayers of many believers.” Stating that there is a dynamic and wonderful work culture with a high standard of business ethic in Maruti Suzuki, he said “The efficiency and effectiveness of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is seen in its eye and care for every detail without the slightest compromise.” Seyie said that smallest item such as “floor electrical boxes” in the showroom in Kohima had to be brought from France as they are not being manufactured in India. “I am proud and consider myself blessed to be a member of Maruti Suzuki family,” he said.
He thanked all Maruti Suzuki management officers, SBI & NEDFi, friends including friends from Kohima village, pastors, reverends, church leaders, contractors and masons who worked for the construction of the dealership.
Prabhakar said “Seyie Auto is the second best the retail network of Maruti Suzuki Arena in the North East region with sport modern looks and offers a warm, friendly and comfortable environment to the customers.” One can experience not only the digital but also have the ‘physical’ experience of Maruti Suzuki, he said. He said that Maruti Suzuki sells around 1.5 lakh cars per annum and holds more than 50% of the market share.
Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, general secretary Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in his speech as special guest said that in the field of development, business and private sectors, “we still have a long way to go.” He regretted that even after five decades plus of the statehood, the state does not have functional industry to generate employment. “Hard working deserving cash has not flowed into our land yet,” he said. He said the business establishment like Maruti Suzuki Arena inaugurated today in Kohima give us a ray of hope. “It gives us hope because if we are sincere and honest there are companies and establishments like Maruti Suzuki willing to invest in our state,” Rev. Keyho said.
Naga People’s Front (NPF) president and former chief minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, ex-minister Seyiekuolie and several other dignitaries also present at the function.
