Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav has called for greater emphasis on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities and empower the state’s youth, while commending the role of educational and technology institutions in developing skills and nurturing startups in Nagaland.
According to a DIPR report, the Governor was speaking as the chief guest at a programme on “Technology Startups and Digital Initiatives” organised by NITI at the NITI Incubation Centre, Dimapur, on November 13.
In his keynote address, Yadav commended NITI Dimapur for its contribution to skill development, stating that the institution 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 to make 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 and Commerce.
Congratulating the seven technology startups being supported by the centre, the Governor particularly acknowledged the three startups selected for funding support of ₹25 lakh under STPI OCTANE.
Highlighting the launch of the centre’s digital application integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and DeepTech, Yadav said the initiative would help establish 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 designed to address local challenges and improve 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.
In his address, Metha described Governor Nand Kishore Yadav as one of the most proactive Governors Nagaland had witnessed in recent years. He appreciated the Governor’s efforts to engage with different sections of society and his active presence on social media, stating that his leadership inspired young people and reflected transparency and accessibility.
Metha said Nagaland was fortunate to have a Governor with vast knowledge and experience, expressing hope that his guidance would help the state make greater contributions to nation-building.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Ajay Sethi and his family, who have been associated with Nagaland for more than 25 years. Recalling the early days of computer education in Dimapur, Metha said the family had demonstrated vision and commitment by introducing computer education at a time when technology was still relatively unfamiliar in the region.
He noted that the institution had educated and empowered more than 40,000 students, making a significant contribution to society through skill development and access to technology.
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Highlighting the contribution of the non-Naga business community to the state’s economy, Metha said Dimapur had developed into an important centre of trade and economic activity through the participation of communities such as Jains, Marwaris and Punjabis. He stressed that unity and collective efforts among all communities were essential for the continued progress of Nagaland.
He also highlighted the state’s social and religious harmony, observing that people belonging to different faiths lived peacefully and celebrated one another’s festivals. He said this spirit of fraternity and coexistence needed to be communicated to the rest of the country, particularly at a time when people from the Northeast continued to face discrimination in other parts of India.
Turning to technology and its growing influence, 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 students to use education and technology as tools for self-empowerment.
He further encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and startups in Nagaland, emphasising that innovative ideas could emerge from anywhere, including smaller towns such as Dimapur.
On Artificial Intelligence, Metha said the technology should be used as a tool for research, learning and expanding knowledge, but cautioned against allowing it to replace human creativity, innovation and independent thinking.
Urging young people to dream big, he said technology had removed geographical barriers and opened opportunities for businesses and individuals to access global markets. He encouraged the youth to make effective use of digital platforms to showcase their talents, pursue their aspirations and contribute to Nagaland’s development and nation-building.
He concluded by calling for unity and collective efforts to strengthen Nagaland’s contribution to the nation.
The programme was chaired by Tiarеnla Jamir, faculty member of NITI, while the invocation was pronounced by David Kholi. A welcome song was presented by Libemo Memorial School, followed by the welcome address by NITI CEO, Er Rishav Sethi.
NEISSR College presented a special performance, while Modern College, Piphema, presented a special song.
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of technology products developed by startups, showcasing emerging innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives from the state.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ajay Sethi, Managing Director, NITI.
