So much has been written and said about the dire need for the people of Nagaland, especially youths, to take up entrepreneurship to boost the state’s economy long before the novel coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown was imposed in March this year. The voice to focus on establishing private enterprises got louder and echoed through the hills as the nationwide lockdown brought normal life to a grinding halt for months together. Government departments, NGOs, civil organisations and experts have been urging the people of the state through webinars and several other mediums of communication to strive towards self-reliance by taking up farming and other economic activities. Some seem to have woken up after months of inactivity that have crippled the economy; it’s encouraging to hear inspiring stories of people finding alternative ways to earn during the crisis and bouncing back stronger. As expected, women and the farming community have emerged among the most resilient sections of the society, taking the pandemic in their stride despite the irreparable damage being caused to their means of livelihood. Hundreds of women vendors, who were supporting their families with their earnings by selling their goods, were literally rendered jobless post pandemic. However, they didn’t take much time to adapt to the drastic change. Mothers were busy during the lockdown with some juggling between work and taking care of children at home, while some were busy helping prepare food for the returnees at various quarantine centres. Unsung heroes are seen going about their day, now that most economic activities have been allowed. Farmers too have been working hard even during the lockdown period despite incurring huge losses as they could not transport their produce to the markets. The role of women and farmers in rebuilding the economy in an agrarian society like ours is more visible during crisis like this, and this generation should draw inspiration from their hard work and resilience.
Going by reports, many youths from the state too seem to have taking up entrepreneurship seriously following months of inactivity that has crippled the economy. While it is encouraging to see many youths taking on the crisis positively, this is just not enough. The youths, who are in the most productive phase of life, have not brought about any visible change yet though it may be too early to evaluate their contribution to the state’s economy. Their involvement in economic and social development is vital as the future of the society depends on them. They should put more emphasis on reducing dependency on other states for essential commodities, food items and basic equipment before aiming something big. It is also imperative to build a solid economic base for sustainable economic development. Once that is in place, businesses will flourish and job opportunities will be created. For this to happen, the educated youths should identify the areas that the state will excel at and make concerted efforts to create an economic base. And thousands of youths who have returned to the state post Covid-19 pandemic can make a big difference here as many of them are equipped with experience in various sectors in metropolitan cities.