In a town with abundant economic opportunities, Khyano S Lam, a determined taxi driver who migrated to Mokokchung from Noklak, has become a symbol of hard work translating into success. Khyano’s relentless efforts have not only provided a livelihood for himself but have also inspired other family members to relocate and earn a similar livelihood.
Khyano, now 29, mentioned that he first moved to Mokokchung from Noklak district in 2018 to seek better employment opportunities and to acquire new skills. He was determined that he wanted to do something on his own although he did not have a high school degree with him.
Initially juggling a position at a telecom service provider with driving, he eventually had to bid farewell to the former role due to the demands of extensive travel. It was during this juncture that Lam found inspiration from a friend who had carved a niche in the taxi services sector, motivating him to venture into establishing his own taxi service in 2019. “I really just wanted to drive and I was lucky enough that I had taken driving lessons in Dimapur back in 2017,” Lam shared.
On being asked why he chose to run the taxi service in Mokokchung, Lam explained, “Noklak is a young district, and therefore, we still do not have taxi services. Meanwhile, in Tuensang, although taxi services exist, the lower population makes it less lucrative compared to Mokokchung.”
Additionally, he mentioned that he did not consider Kohima and Dimapur. Starting his taxi service marked his initial endeavor to establish something independently. When it ran smoothly, he found himself settling in Mokokchung.
Reflecting on the profitability of the taxi service in Mokokchung, Lam asserts, “If we work hard, it can provide a comfortable living and help us sustain our family.” He highlighted that, along with him, his younger and elder brothers have been successfully operating taxi services in the town, managing to support their sister’s education and the family’s well-being.
When asked why Mokokchung appears to have opportunities despite the presence of many unemployed youths, Lam candidly expressed, “I feel like there are ample opportunities in the town, but I also observe a lack of hard work among people. Many unemployed youths in Mokokchung seem to lack diligence and aim for a comfortable life without putting in the effort.”
Reflecting on his unexpected journey to Mokokchung, Lam shared, “In my wildest dreams, I did not think of ending up in Mokokchung, but now it has been five years since I have been running the taxi service. In these five years, the income has been constant and it can give us a livelihood. We only need to work hard.”
Addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment, Lam said, “People should work hard. We should not be lazy. We should help our parents and not depend on them if we are physically fit. The blessing lies there.”
When questioned about his long-term plans in Mokokchung, Lam remained cautiously optimistic. “I don’t know yet. There is a part of me that wishes to stay, but there is also the fact that this is not our permanent home. However, so far, Mokokchung provides me with a livelihood,” shared Lam.
On the potential threat to job opportunities if locals in Mokokchung start taking over the taxi business, Lam responded optimistically, “Even if the locals in Mokokchung start working, I think as long as we are ready to work hard and not be lazy, we will find our opportunity. Moreover, it is not just employment; we have many talents, such as in handicrafts and handloom. It really is just about being willing to work hard no matter what the work is.”
Lam’s narrative goes beyond personal triumph; it becomes a beacon, urging not only his family but also the youth of Mokokchung to embrace hard work, actively pursue opportunities, and contribute zealously to the town’s economic growth.
The Keynesian Multiplier Effect
In a broader context, Lam’s narrative underscores the symbiotic relationship between individual efforts and local economic prosperity. The Keynesian multiplier theory supports this, positing that when people are employed, they have money to spend on goods and services. This, in turn, stimulates businesses, fostering growth and creating additional jobs.
Lam’s story exemplifies how a diligent workforce can be the driving force behind vibrant and sustainable community development.