Anthony Ngulie and others with the participants of Output oriented blacksmith training in Kohima on September 23.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 23
A ten-day “Output Oriented Blacksmith Training” under the aegis of Zynorique Initiatives Society and sponsored by Department of Youth Resources & Sports commenced today in Kohima.
This training programme is aimed at equipping local youth with practical blacksmithing skills, focusing on both traditional craftsmanship and modern, output-driven approaches.
Anthony Ngulie, Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, graced the opening ceremony as the special guest.
Ngulie emphasised the immense potential that reviving traditional skills like blacksmithing holds for local communities.
He remarked that blacksmithing is more than just a craft from the past. It remains a vital skill, particularly within Nagaland’s agricultural economy.
By training the youth in blacksmithing, the program is not only preserving a traditional art but also ensuring that local farmers have access to high-quality, locally crafted agricultural tools.
As the demand for such implements grows, this training will empower the youth to meet that need and tap into the expanding agricultural sector, he said.
Ngulie highlighted that such initiatives create a sustainable ecosystem, where money circulates within the community, benefiting artisans, farmers, and the local economy alike.
“When we produce locally and support each other, we build a stronger, more self-sufficient Nagaland,” he said.
He said that the state government is fully committed to fostering such opportunities that promote the welfare of our people and create lasting economic growth.
Sinyu Solo, Vice Chairman of T Khel Council and Akietuo Belho also addressed the participants.
They stated that discipline is key to mastering any craft, and stressed on the need to produce high-quality tools that can support the agricultural sector.
Solo also reflected on the rich heritage of blacksmithing in Nagaland and encouraged participants to uphold this tradition while adapting to contemporary market needs.
The 10-day training will cover essential and advanced blacksmithing techniques, giving participants hands-on experience to produce market-ready products.
The focus on crafting agricultural tools is of particular significance, as it will directly support the farming community while stimulating local economic activity.
As the programme continues over the next 10 days, participants will leave equipped not only with practical skills but also with the discipline and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in blacksmithing.
