A six-day entrepreneurship development workshop aimed at strengthening tribal enterprise and financial inclusion began in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Friday under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
The programme titled “Entrepreneurship Development Workshop: Micro-Financing and Business Incubation for Tribal Entrepreneurs” is being organised by the Tribal Research Institute Manipur under the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the Research and Development Cell of Oasis College Kangpokpi.
The inaugural session was held at LNC Hotel where Rangnamei Rang Peter, Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills and the Tribal Research Institute, attended as the chief guest, while former Indian Foreign Service officer Gautam Mukhopadhaya, who also serves as convenor of the Sadar Hills Green Movement, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
President of the Institute Innovation Cell Analjyoti Basu, who is also Associate Professor in the Department of Management at Brainware University, West Bengal, along with officials from various line departments, college principals, young tribal entrepreneurs and students attended the inaugural event.
Rangnamei Rang Peter presided over the function, while Analjyoti Basu delivered the keynote address.
Addressing the gathering, speakers underlined the need to strengthen entrepreneurship among tribal youth and internally displaced communities, stressing that enterprise development backed by institutional finance and incubation support could become a key driver of livelihood generation in the hill districts.
In his keynote address, Basu shared insights from his experience in entrepreneurship development, noting that every challenge presents an opportunity. He urged tribal communities to convert challenges into opportunities for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
The workshop also recognised several promising internally displaced entrepreneurs with appreciation awards for demonstrating resilience and initiative in rebuilding livelihoods amid the ongoing socio-economic challenges in the region.
The awardees included Hatneineng Hangshing for Laizon Enterprise, B. Sineo Vaiphei for Hope Initiative, Nemkhoting Lotjem for Tina Rice Hotel, Mangboi Vaiphei for Ch. Ngairoukim Florist, Nengjahat Haokip for Eden’s Food Stall and Lhaijaneng Khongsai for her tea stall venture.
Many of the awardees were displaced during the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, which left their homes burnt down and forced them to start small enterprises for survival despite having no prior business experience.
Officials said the entrepreneurs registered their businesses under the district council administration, the Kangpokpi Town Committee or the UDHYAN authorities in order to operate legally.
Highlighting the objectives of the programme, Rangnamei Rang Peter said the workshop aims to unlock the vast but largely untapped entrepreneurial potential within tribal communities by bridging knowledge gaps through awareness, training and dialogue on existing challenges.
“Tribal regions are endowed with rich natural resources, traditional knowledge and skills inherited across generations. However, to fully harness these potentials, there is a need to create greater awareness, identify the challenges faced by tribal entrepreneurs and build a supportive ecosystem through initiatives such as this workshop,” the IAS officer said.
He noted that entrepreneurship plays a critical role in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in tribal areas where livelihood opportunities remain limited.
“Such programmes are vital to strengthening the livelihood ecosystem of tribal communities while also preserving their cultural heritage. By transforming traditional knowledge, indigenous skills and wisdom passed down by our forefathers into modern entrepreneurial ventures, tribal youth can generate sustainable income and contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
He further pointed out that tribal products from the region are increasingly gaining recognition in national and international markets, with several items already finding demand beyond India, including in Western and European countries.
Encouraging young tribal entrepreneurs to pursue innovation and enterprise, he said, “Take heart, take risks, remain innovative and open-minded, and continue to develop your skills. With patience and perseverance, the seeds you sow today will eventually yield meaningful results.”
The IAS officer also congratulated the six internally displaced entrepreneurs selected for special recognition during the programme, praising their resilience and determination in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Former IFS officer Gautam Mukhopadhaya stressed the need to promote sustainable agro-based entrepreneurship while protecting forests and the environment. He cited successful examples of branding indigenous products such as Cachai Lemon from Ukhrul in Manipur and Lakadong Ginger from Meghalaya, which have gained wider recognition through effective marketing and branding.
Encouraging tribal communities to follow similar initiatives, he suggested branding local indigenous products, including Bethu from Bekan, and emphasised the importance of value addition so that such products can reach markets beyond the state and even international destinations. He also underscored the need for tribal communities to become producers and suppliers rather than relying on products sourced from outside regions.
Officials said the programme, supported by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, seeks to equip aspiring tribal entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on business incubation, credit access and market opportunities while linking them with financial institutions and development agencies.
The workshop will run until March 19 and include site visits and intensive technical sessions at Kanggui Christian College, where experts will deliberate on entrepreneurship and tribal development, indigenous resource-based enterprises and financial inclusion.
Among the resource persons are National Entrepreneurship Awardee Hejang Misao, founder of Innovative Media Stop Shylock S. Taishya and Chief Manager of the State Bank of India Kangpokpi branch, Mangkholet Haokip.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in tribal regions while aligning with the broader vision of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs to promote economic self-reliance and inclusive development among tribal communities across the country.
The programme will conclude with a valedictory session focusing on building sustainable tribal entrepreneurship ecosystems, followed by feedback from participants and distribution of certificates and travel allowances.
The inaugural programme was compered by Natty Kipgen, assistant professor at Oasis College Kangpokpi, while the rapporteur was Onkholun Haokip, coordinator of the Research and Development Cell of the college. Thathang Vaiphei, chairman of the Board of Management of the institution, presented mementos to the chief guest and other dignitaries.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by S. Hohoi, vice-principal of Oasis College, Kangpokpi.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
