Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav and others during the programme on “Technology Startups and Digital Initiatives” held at the NITI Incubation Centre, Dimapur on November 13. (Photo Courtesy: Lok Bhavan Kohima)
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): A programme on “Technology Startups and Digital Initiatives” was organised at the NITI Incubation Centre, Dimapur on November 13, with Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav attending as chief guest.
In his keynote address, the Governor highlighted the importance of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in creating employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland, a DIPR report said. He commended NITI Dimapur for its contribution to skill development, noting that the institute had trained more than 40,000 Naga youths over the past 26 years and played a significant role in employment generation.
He appreciated NITI's expansion into software development through NITI Technologies and its initiatives in making quality education accessible and affordable. He also lauded the establishment of the NITI Incubation Centre under Startup Nagaland, in collaboration with the Department of Industries & Commerce, and congratulated the seven technology startups being supported by the centre, including three selected for funding support of Rs 25 lakh under STPI OCTANE.
Highlighting the launch of the centre's digital application integrated with Artificial Intelligence and DeepTech, the Governor said the initiative would help create an accessible and efficient digital incubation ecosystem. He also appreciated the innovative products KHRU App, HNK Services and Blipp, describing them as practical technology-based solutions addressing local challenges and improving business efficiency.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha, and DIG, 6 Sector, Assam Rifles, Brig. Rishav Singh Jamwal, attended the programme as guests of honour, the DIPR report added.
In his address, Metha praised the Governor as one of the most proactive the state has witnessed in recent years, citing his engagement with various sections of society and active presence on social media. He said Nagaland was fortunate to have a Governor with vast knowledge and experience and expressed hope that his guidance would help the state make greater contributions to nation-building.
Metha acknowledged the contributions of Ajay Sethi and his family, associated with Nagaland for over 25 years, recalling their role in introducing computer education in Dimapur when technology was still unfamiliar in the region. He noted that the institution had educated and empowered more than 40,000 students.
Highlighting the role of the non-Naga business community, Metha said Dimapur had developed as an important centre of trade and economic growth through the contributions of communities such as the Jains, Marwaris and Punjabis, and stressed the importance of unity and collective efforts among all communities.
He also highlighted Nagaland's social and religious harmony, stating that people of different faiths lived together peacefully and celebrated each other's festivals, and said this spirit of fraternity should be conveyed to the rest of the country, especially when people from the Northeast often face discrimination elsewhere.
Speaking on technology, Metha said it had become an inseparable part of everyday life and urged young people to adapt to technological advancements, describing knowledge as the greatest source of power. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and startups, stating that innovative ideas could emerge from anywhere, including small towns like Dimapur. On artificial intelligence, he said it should be used for research and gaining knowledge but should not replace human creativity, innovation and independent thinking.
Urging the youth to dream big, Metha said technology had removed geographical barriers and provided opportunities to reach global markets, and encouraged young people to utilise digital platforms to promote their talents, achieve their aspirations and contribute to Nagaland's development and nation-building.
The programme was chaired by Tiaienla Jamir, faculty member of NITI. Invocation was pronounced by David Kholi and a welcome song was presented by Libemo Memorial School. CEO of NITI, Er Rishav Sethi, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. NEISSR College presented a special performance, while a special song was presented by Modern College, Piphema.
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of technology products developed by startups, showcasing innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ajay Sethi, Managing Director, NITI.
