In Mokokchung – and Nagaland as a whole – conversations about the economy or stock markets are rare. Most of us focus on government jobs, agriculture, small businesses, or petty politics, while terms like Sensex, Nifty, and stock trading feel distant and irrelevant. But as the world becomes more interconnected and smaller, and economies drive our daily lives, it is time for us to break free from financial illiteracy and engage with the world of economics and investments.
To start, what exactly are Sensex and Nifty? The Sensex is the benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), tracking the performance of 30 of India’s largest and most influential companies. Similarly, Nifty is the index of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), representing the top 50 companies. These indexes give us a snapshot of how the country’s economy is performing. When Sensex and Nifty rise, it signals confidence and growth. When they fall, as they have in recent months, it indicates trouble, often tied to global factors like trade wars, political instability, or economic slowdowns.
The recent crash in the stock market, with Nifty recording its longest losing streak since 1996 and Sensex losing over 4,000 points in February, has wiped out lakhs of crores in wealth. Yet, in Nagaland, many of us hardly notice or understand what this means or how it affects us. The truth is, it does affect us. Whether it’s the price of goods, government funds, or job creation, national economic health trickles down to every corner of the country, including ours.
By understanding stock market basics and economics, we can start investing wisely, securing financial futures, and even building wealth. Stock trading is no longer just for big cities. Apps and online platforms have made it easy for anyone to participate with just a smartphone and internet connection.
It’s time we step up. Financial literacy is empowerment. We must ensure that Nagaland is not left behind while the rest of the world invests, grows, and builds futures through knowledge we can (and should) learn. Perhaps we should offer “free coaching classes” in stock market trading, just as we do for HSLC and NPSC exams.
MT
