Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav has called on young people to embrace technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic growth and nation-building.
Addressing a programme on “Technology Startups and Digital Initiatives” organised by NITI at the NITI Incubation Centre, Dimapur, on November 13, the Governor commended the institution for training more than 40,000 Naga youths over the past 26 years and contributing to skill development and employment generation.
He appreciated NITI’s expansion into software development through NITI Technologies and its efforts to make quality education accessible and affordable.
He also lauded the establishment of the NITI Incubation Centre under Startup Nagaland, in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, and congratulated the seven technology startups supported by the centre. Of these, three have been selected for funding support of Rs 25 lakh under STPI OCTANE.
The Governor also highlighted the launch of the centre’s digital application integrated with Artificial Intelligence and DeepTech, saying it would help establish an accessible and efficient digital incubation ecosystem. He appreciated the products developed by startups, including KHRU App, HNK Services and Blipp, describing them as practical technology-based solutions addressing local challenges and improving business efficiency.
Technology and entrepreneurship as opportunities for youth
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha, and DIG, 6 Sector, Assam Rifles, Brig. Rishav Singh Jamwal, attended the programme as guests of honour.
In his address, Metha described Governor Yadav as one of the most proactive Governors Nagaland had witnessed in recent years. He appreciated the Governor’s efforts to engage with different sections of society and his active presence on social media, saying his approach reflected transparency and accessibility while inspiring young people.
Metha said Nagaland was fortunate to have a Governor with extensive knowledge and experience, and expressed hope that his guidance would help the state make a greater contribution to nation-building.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Ajay Sethi and his family, who have been associated with Nagaland for more than 25 years. Recalling the early days of computer education in Dimapur, Metha said the family had shown vision and commitment in introducing computer education when technology was still unfamiliar in the region. The institution, he noted, had educated and empowered more than 40,000 students.
Highlighting the contribution of the non-Naga business community, Metha said Dimapur had developed into an important centre of trade and economic growth through the efforts of communities such as Jains, Marwaris and Punjabis. He stressed the need for unity and collective efforts among all communities.
He also spoke about Nagaland’s social and religious harmony, noting that people of different faiths lived peacefully and celebrated one another’s festivals. He said this spirit of fraternity should be conveyed to the rest of the country, particularly at a time when people from the Northeast continue to face discrimination in other parts of India.
AI should support, not replace human creativity
On the role of technology, Metha said it had become inseparable from everyday life and urged young people to adapt to technological advancements. Describing knowledge as the greatest source of power, he encouraged students to use education and technology as tools for empowerment.
He also urged aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to pursue innovative ideas, noting that such ideas could emerge from anywhere, including smaller towns like Dimapur. While encouraging the use of Artificial Intelligence for research and acquiring knowledge, he cautioned that it should not replace human creativity, innovation and independent thinking.
Metha said technology had removed geographical barriers and opened access to global markets, encouraging young people to use digital platforms to showcase their talents, pursue their aspirations and contribute to Nagaland’s development and nation-building. He concluded by calling for unity and collective efforts to strengthen the state’s contribution to the nation.
The programme was chaired by NITI faculty member Tiarånla Jamir. David Kholi pronounced the invocation, while Libemo Memorial School presented a welcome song. CEO of NITI, Er. Rishav Sethi, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. NEISSR College presented a special performance, while Modern College, Piphema, presented a special song.
A major highlight was the launch of technology products developed by startups, showcasing their innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by NITI Managing Director Ajay Sethi. (With DIPR inputs)
