Incense stick industry of Dhakuakhana entrepreneur sets an example for others

A Correspondent

LAKHIMPUR: Unemployment is a serious problem in the State. Elevated unemployment has been imposing significant costs on the individual, the society and the country by leading to an erosion of skills and basically robbing the economy of otherwise useful talents.

The social costs of unemployment are difficult to calculate. Studies have shown that times of elevated unemployment often correlate both with less volunteerism and higher crime. In the State, prolonged unemployment has led to a greater skepticism and pessimism about the value of education and training. But few unemployed youths in the State have set an example for others with their self-employment endeavors.

One such enthusiastic youth is Manash Pratim Phukan of No. 1 Hiloidari village under the Dhakuakhana subdivision of Lakhimpur district who has become self-dependant by establishing a small industry of incense sticks. By establishing the industry, named ‘Habung Dhupkathi, Manash Pratim was potent enough to create a scope of employment for many others.

Manash is the graduate of Guwahati Icon Commerce College from where he passed out in 2014. Then he tried to get a government job while staying in Guwahati, he was unsuccessful. He worked in several private sector companies but did not get any job satisfaction. Finally, he came back to his native village, giving up all hope of securing a government job.

Coming back home, Manash Pratim started the industry of incense sticks in October 2018 with the help of his father Bogen Phukan, mother Pallabi Phukan and with the suggestion of his uncle Pranjal Pratim Phukan. At present, the hard-working youth has paved a way for the employment of several families of his village through the industry which completed a year of success. Manash Pratim said that he just underwent a one-day training of the domain in Guwahati to start the industry.

At present, six brands of incense sticks named Habung, Habung 2 in 1, Golap, Jasmin, Prarthana, and Utsav are manufactured in the industry and these brands have occupied places in the markets of Dhakuakhana, Dhemaji, and Majuli. Manash Pratim said that he imports the raw materials for his industry from a Guwahati-based company. “The demand for insane sticks is high, not only in Dhakuakhana but across the State. The industry for making incense sticks is a profitable industry that can be established in a small area with low capital and requires less labor. So I started the industry and became self-dependent,” said Manash Pratim.

Also Read: Training for Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship officers held in Guwahati

Also Watch: Coal laden truck overturns at Tinsukia-Makum bypass road, Driver injured