Nagaland: Naga Club hosts entrepreneurs meet at Foundation Day

Naga Club president Kuolachalie Seyie on Wednesday called for a fundamental shift from job-seeking to job-creating among Naga youth, stating that self-reliance, integrity and value-based entrepreneurship were essential for Nagaland’s economic survival.
Delivering the presidential address at the Entrepreneurs’ Meet held on the occasion of Naga Club Foundation Day at the Nagaland State Emporium here, Kuolachalie highlighted the historical role of the Naga Club in promoting trade, commerce and self-reliance.
He recalled that the Club had pioneered cooperative movements in Kohima, Mokokchung and Wokha, including the establishment of the Nagaland Cooperative Society (NCS), the oldest and one of the largest cooperative institutions in the state.
Kuolachalie asserted that anyone, irrespective of background or education, could become a job giver with the right attitude and entrepreneurial discipline. He observed that the long-held social formula of education followed by a government job had created dependency and was no longer sustainable in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and economic uncertainty. The government, he said, could not employ the entire workforce.
Warning that rampant corruption and a widespread extortion economy threatened Nagaland’s future, he said a new mindset rooted in practical work culture was urgently needed. Describing corruption and extortion as major challenges, he urged society to confront them with truth, courage and moral clarity. Explaining the concept of a job giver, Kuolachalie said such individuals created opportunities, solved problems and generated value for the community.
He pointed to unresolved issues as hidden opportunities, citing the relocation of major business houses from Dimapur to Assam due to multiple taxation, which had resulted in losses to the state’s GST revenue.
He also highlighted sharp price disparities in vegetables between Dimapur and Kohima, stating that these gaps revealed opportunities in transportation, storage, supply chains, retail and online marketing. Young entrepreneurs, he said, must step in with integrity and fair practices.
Contrasting job seekers and job givers, Kuolachalie said job seekers competed for limited posts and remained vulnerable, while job givers built systems, offered quality services, spent frugally and focused on solving problems rather than chasing employment. He emphasised that values must come before money, with income following value creation.
On education, he said traditional systems focused too heavily on memorisation and obedience, calling instead for learning that emphasised critical thinking, problem-solving and real-world application.
He described technology as a powerful tool, noting that digital platforms had opened avenues such as freelancing, e-commerce, online tutoring and digital marketing.
Acknowledging risks and failures associated with entrepreneurship, Kuolachalie said failure should be viewed as a learning process.
The programme featured six local entrepreneurs who shared their personal journeys, challenges and lessons from building businesses in Nagaland, underscoring the importance of determination, discipline and community support in entrepreneurship. Carpenter Neisevoto Khate recounted that his journey began in the early 1990s after attending a one-week carpentry coaching camp where he learned the basics of the trade, including the importance of maintaining tools. Despite trying other professions, carpentry remained his strength. Khate also shared that he counselled those who approached him for extortion, encouraging them instead to take up honest work and earn through skill-based labour.
Businessman Khrieketoulie Mepfhüo described business as a space not merely for making money but for building relationships based on trust, respect and service. His entrepreneurial journey began during his school years when he managed his family business alongside education. With no financial backing, he relied on discipline, long working hours and sacrifice. Over time, the business expanded from a single-person operation to multiple establishments, with a focus on employing Naga youth.
Sharing a personal account, Keneilezo Senotsu said instability while growing up in multiple homes affected his confidence. His entry into masonry between 1999 and 2001 marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, despite having no prior experience. From owning a Vespa scooter to later investing in transport and stone-crushing businesses, his progress was gradual and supported by bank assistance.
Entrepreneur Bendangmoa Longkumer said his journey began out of necessity after Class 10, when he started baking and selling muffins, followed by painting shoes and selling them online. He later pursued higher studies before launching a citronella-based brand in 2024, motivated by the dengue outbreak. Collaborating with Nagaland Bamboo Development, he went through several trials before finalising the product. He informed that the products are now available in 48 stores with support from YouthNet.
Founder of Khetsen Pottery, Renchumlo Murry, traced her work to her grandmother’s legacy, describing pottery as both heritage and livelihood. Inspired by stories of resilience, she trained at Artsy Naga School of Fine Arts and began production using locally sourced black clay from Wokha.
Entrepreneur Mhasheto Chiero spoke on the need for reliable delivery services, stating that his venture was established after identifying the shortage of door-to-door logistics support for local businesses. He said many enterprises failed because they focused only on monetary aspects without addressing operational issues.
Exhorting the gathering, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü recalled that the Naga Club had earlier initiated the Nagaland Cooperative Society, one of the oldest and most successful cooperative institutions in the state. He observed that a significant portion of businesses in Nagaland were now controlled by outsiders and stressed the urgent need for local youth to enter entrepreneurship. Describing the economy as the lifeline of society, he cautioned that economic control by external forces could threaten long-term survival. He added that economic strength commanded respect and equality, and building resilience remained central to the vision of the Naga Club.
Exhorting the gathering, Dr Viketoulie Pienyü recalled that the Naga Club had earlier initiated the Nagaland Cooperative Society, one of the oldest and most successful cooperative institutions in the state.
He observed that a significant portion of businesses in Nagaland were now controlled by outsiders and stressed the urgent need for local youth to enter entrepreneurship. Describing the economy as the lifeline of society, he cautioned that economic control by external forces could threaten long-term survival.
Earlier, the programme was compered by Tolina Awomi, invocation was pronounced by Rev Dr Hotokhu Zhimomi, chaplain Naga Club while benediction was pronounced by Lujeka Assumi, associate pastor SBCK and associate chaplain Naga Club.