In a collaborative effort, the Central Leather Research Institute located in Adyar Chennai has partnered with Yingli College Longleng and the Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) to organize a comprehensive training program tailored for Self-help groups, Entrepreneurs, and Graduates, aiming to enhance their skills and knowledge in leather products.

Commencing on August 2nd, 2023, the training is scheduled to run until August 5th, 2023, hosted at the PBCA Executive Hall in Longleng. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions covering various aspects of leather crafting, including wallet making, ladies' sling bag creation, pen pouch crafting, and leather bag manufacturing.

The training sessions are being conducted by esteemed experts from the CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute. The resource persons include P. Suresh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist; Dr. M. Sathish, Scientist; Amit Kumar Prajapati, Technical Officer; and Arun Raj, Technician.

Suresh Kumar emphasized that the program's goal is to foster awareness and skill development in leather product manufacturing among self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and graduates in the Longleng region of Nagaland.

Meyazungba Jamir, SDO of Longleng, highlighted the growing trend of preferring entrepreneurship over traditional government jobs in Nagaland. He underlined the importance of breaking down societal stigmas attached to certain professions. The leather training initiative, a first in the region, holds the potential to become a significant platform for the people of Longleng. Jamir encouraged trainees to honor their trainers, interact with them, and aspire to establish the Longleng district as a hub for leather product manufacturing.

Tialemba Phom, Executive Secretary of PBCA, welcomed the attendees, while Dr. B. Henshat Phom, Vice Principal of Yingli College, delivered the closing remarks. The program was chaired by Philip Nyam, Literature cum Development Secretary of PBCA.

(Manjong Phom, IA Longleng)