A two-day workshop focusing on export packaging for food and handicrafts was successfully conducted on September 27th and 28th, 2023, in Wokha. The program was organized by the Indian Institute of Packaging in collaboration with the Wokha District Entrepreneurship Task Force (ETF).
The workshop was graced by the presence of Mhathung Yanthan, MLA, and Advisor of Agriculture. Yanthan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and extended his appreciation to the participants for their active involvement in the workshop, aimed at empowering themselves towards economic self-reliance. He encouraged the participants to be attentive, learn, and apply the acquired knowledge and skills to enhance the value of their products. Yanthan expressed optimism that this training would prove highly beneficial for the entrepreneurs of Wokha District.
Yanthan also addressed the pressing issue of unemployment in Nagaland, emphasizing that the government alone cannot provide jobs for all, as the state has reached its saturation point. In response, the government is initiating various workshops and training programs to empower young individuals to become self-employed.
Highlighting the significance of packaging in marketing local products, Yanthan urged entrepreneurs to pay special attention to this aspect. He emphasized that Nagaland offers ample opportunities through entrepreneurship, and individuals should not limit their aspirations to government jobs alone but should seize opportunities by acquiring skills in various self-employment courses.
Kovi Meyase, NCS, Additional Secretary (L&ESDE), and Ex-Officio Director (HOD) of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Nagaland, Kohima, spoke about the importance of skill development and entrepreneurship. Meyase acknowledged that Nagaland has high rate of unemployment in the country, and unemployment is a global concern. He encouraged graduates to explore self-employment rather than solely pursuing government jobs. Meyase outlined essential qualities for successful entrepreneurship, including self-confidence, a flexible mindset, patience, passion, effective communication skills, self-discipline, and the ability to take risks.
Taliwati Longchar-IEDS, Joint Director & Head of Office, MSME-DFO, Dimapur, highlighted the workshop's objectives. Bidhan Das, Deputy Director & Branch Head of the Indian Institute of Packaging Kolkata Centre, provided insights into the workshop's theme and setup.
Short speeches were delivered by K. Myingthungo Kikon, General Manager of the District Industries Centre Wokha; William Kikon, President of the Wokha District Entrepreneurship Association (WDEA); and Anuranjan Singh, MGNF& I/C of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Member Secretary of the Wokha District Entrepreneurship Task Force (ETF).
Dr. Asitava Sur, Faculty of the Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata Centre, extended the vote of thanks, and Ajit Kumar Ranjan IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, delivered the welcome remarks.
The two-day technical workshops were led by Bidhan Das and Dr. Asitava Sur.
This workshop marks a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs in Wokha District and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their businesses.
(DPRO & IA Wokha)
