So much has been written and said about entrepreneurship. We have been hearing about it at regular intervals from legislators, government officials, intellectuals, civil society organisation leaders, and others. Several seminars and workshops have been organised to encourage the youth in Nagaland state to become job creators rather than job seekers by setting up private enterprises. This paradigm shift is necessary to mitigate the huge challenge posed by the ever-growing number of educated unemployed youth and saturation of state government jobs; compounded by the disruption of job market across the country owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. By now, most citizens are aware of the challenges ahead, and this has accelerated entrepreneurship to some extent, which is encouraging. However, the pace of growth in this field is slower than expected. This is not surprising because it is easier said than done to change the mindset of the people. Most people considered and still consider getting government job as the main purpose of education. Students who excel in studies are expected to become civil servants, doctors, engineers and other professionals but not entrepreneurs. Our society has even stereotyped academic excellence, to the extent of using white-collar jobs as the yardstick to measure success. Those who choose to follow their passion and interest face the risk of being trampled upon if they stumble in the process of chasing their dreams. Some have the habit of citing past unsuccessful entrepreneurs to discourage those having interest in entrepreneurship. This has been there for decades and is perhaps engraved in the minds of the people. It may take months, years or even decades to shed this false notion about the professions outside the public sector but it has to be shed- the sooner, the better.
Meanwhile, it is also necessary to improve business climate in the state to boost entrepreneurship. Political stability and conducive business environment are pre-requisites for trade to flourish anywhere. In the context of Nagaland, the problem of multiple taxation by various Naga political groups needs to be addressed. This will encourage more people to start new enterprises in the state. In the meantime, there are also those who give up their dreams even before trying, for want of huge capital in order to start “big”. One should learn to start in small ways. This will not only keep one’s dreams alive but also reduce the risk involved in entrepreneurship. We may be taking baby steps in the field of business but will soon run if we dare to take calculated risks, provide solutions to problems around us, increase productivity, ensure quality, and reduce cost through creativity and innovation. To get there, the government and community too should promote the culture of entrepreneurship by investing in private enterprises and encouraging those who dare to take road less travelled. For the ambitious, the grass outside the public sector is greener.