Tyre detailing being done at Imlikumzuk Longkumer’s workshop in DC Court area, Dimapur.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 19
Imlikumzuk Longkumer’s tyre workshop is a little known business located in the DC Court area here. To bystanders, it is just an ordinary workshop, but the story behind this small private business is an inspiration for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.
64-year-old Imlikumzuk has been running his business by himself for decades. He first established his workshop in 1976 in Mokokchung, but an accidental fire forced him to close it down. As a result, Imlikumzuk drove a mini truck for 10 years. During his time as a truck driver, Imlikumzuk sustained an injury and he could no longer continue the profession as doctors advised against it.
The rebirth of Imlikumzuk’s business began in 1988 when he set up his workshop in Duncan Bosti, Dimapur, where he continued to slowly build his business in tyre repairing and detailing. Later in 2007, he shifted his workshop to the current DC Court area where he has taken two boys under his wing for training.
“I am currently unable to take loans from government and private banks but I have managed to take small loans from a private body. As of now, I manage the business on my own but I’m also training two of my apprentices,” Imlikumzuk said. The workshop has only two equipments as of now, an air compressor and a wooden tyre resoling machine.
When enquired about his motivation and what the future holds for his business, Imlikumzuk commented, “I do this to support myself and my family. This is better than lying around and doing nothing. The truth is, not everyone can enrol for government posts and this is where business comes into play. I don’t have any specific future plans but I hope that I can build my business further in the days to come.”
Imlikumzuk is a father of six children who are all involved in minor businesses; his youngest child is currently the only one in the family attending school. “I see business as a good job opportunity and I want my children to take up business as well considering the lack of government posts these days,” Imlikumzuk said. He also stated that he has managed most aspects of his business through the income from the workshop alone. According to him, business is as good a profession as any.
The writer is currently an intern at The Morung Express
