Lipokmeren. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express Feature
Dimapur | June 22
Lipokmeren is one of a kind among Nagas. He has managed to overcome the clichéd non receptiveness of Nagas towards mathematics. And now he is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA). Choosing accounting as a career is not a common choice among most Naga students.
At 32 years of age, he has set up Lipokmeren & CO. Chartered Accountants at Burma Camp Dimapur. Three months back, he resigned from his job at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation in Mumbai and Guwahati, where he had been working as a Finance Officer for six years. Coming back to ‘tax heaven’ as Lipokmeren calls Nagaland, it has been barely months since the set up and Lipokmeren said he feels to be home.
Schooled in Moayimti, Mokokchung, Lipokmeren passed matriculation from Dimapur, and then graduated in B. Com. from Assam University. After this, he travelled to Mumbai for a CA course.
Lipokmeren admits the difficulties of giving up his job. “Leaving all the many attachments and just come back was certainly a big task,” he says. However he shares that the idea to come back home was always on his mind. “Since my childhood, I had always wanted to own my business and be my own boss. Also I want to help my people, and give back to society,” he professes.
Noticing the remarkable changes happening in Nagaland, Lipokmeren comments that entrepreneurs are booming here. He also feels people have become professional these days. “Definitely thing are much better now,” he says.
He points out the dearth of financial accountants in Nagaland and also mentions that there are very few Nagas in the field. Discussing the perception that CA is not for Nagas, he asks, “If others can do it why can’t we?” A barrier should not be there, he adds.
When I chose to opt for CA course, many people told me that it is a very tough course. After enrollment, I admit I did face a lot of difficulties but it just requires dedication, hard work and a strong will, he says. “But don’t all courses, be it Arts or Science or Commerce require the same reasons? One cannot be successful unless you remain focused on the goal. In fact what I feel is the entry into CA is also easy and cheap as compared to other courses,” he opines.
He therefore advises students to remain focused on their goals, and, most importantly, believe in themselves. “Do not be influenced by what others say. Have faith in yourself. The attitude should not be ignored, but listened to. But one must also have definite steps set in life,” he shares.
On trying to start something new, Lipokmeren says that he wants to establish a firm and provide professional service to people. I thought it is the right time, lots of people are doing business, good development is happening. “If not now then when,” Lipokmeren states.
“Of course we just started, but five years down the line, I want to generate employment through my business. I don’t want to think just for the survival of my business but bring development to the society and help uplift it.”
This entrepreneur who left his cushy job and came home to materialize his childhood dream is as humble as apple pie. It was his request not to promote his business services in this article but rather share this with students interested to pursue Chartered Accountancy. He suggested that interested students can check the official website of the Institute i.e., www.icai.org or even drop by his office for information or email at me123ren@yahoo.com
