Elilo Lotha (centre) with staffers at Honda Motors Private Limited Nagaland Unit showroom in Dimapur.
Renthungo Odyuo
Dimapur | January 5
Elilo Lotha is a 35 year old mother of four, who has made major headways into the automobile sector, an industry mostly dominated by men. She is currently the Proprietor and Head of Honda Motors Private Limited Nagaland Unit. She is also the main Distributor of Honda two wheelers for the State of Nagaland and has plans to extend the Franchisee Branches across Nagaland.
A woman who believes in hard work in her business endeavours, she remarks, “success is not measured by the accolades one receives, but by the hurdles one overcomes.” An independent woman, since her early days, she always strived to be self-dependent, and to be involved in ventures that would give her the utmost job satisfaction. She states that being able to employ young educated boys and girls in her current position, motivates her further.
Elilo has been involved in the dealership of two wheelers since 2001. She started off initially as an Authorized dealer for Kinetic Motors Company Limited (KMCL) and Kinetic Engineering Limited (KEL) from 2001 to 2008 and as an authorized dealer for Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited (MTWL) from 2008 to 2013. In 2013, she was appointed as the Honda Exclusive Authorized Dealer (HEAT).
She says, “As the business world spearheads globalization and liberalization, it has increased accessibility to global brands.”
She admits that being a mother makes it more challenging, “as I have to strike a perfect balance between my family responsibilities and as a proprietor of a business.” However, she adds that the support of her husband, children, family members and dedicated staff goes a long way in helping her out.
Elilo reveals that challenges are always a part of businesses and that the system of business charge de ’affairs in the State is comparatively different than other parts of the country. “Owing to the absence of a congenial environment for doing any business in the State, challenges are many,” she notes. However, she adds that “the strong will of doing business always overcomes whatever challenges that come in the way.”
Elilo further hopes to be a responsible member of society and to contribute towards the welfare of society through her business. She says,” I strongly felt the necessity to contribute something to the society by taking up this business that would encourage young and educated Nagas to take up business activities.” “I am also proud to be a contributor to the government through payment of taxes and VAT,” she adds.
Citing the large number of young Nagas living in cities around the country, Elilo aspires to provide them guidance and opportunities to venture into the business sector. She adds that by engaging in business, one can make significant impacts in society.
Elilo completed her schooling from St. Thomas School, Shillong, and graduated from Lady Keane College, Shillong and Tetso College, Dimapur.
Elilo remains optimistic that women can venture into any business. She cheerfully adds, “The trend of dominance of men in business is changing with more women entering businesses.”
She is also optimistic about her future endeavours, as she plans to make Honda two wheelers an everyman’s brand Nagaland State.
