Educated unemployed Naga youths open barbershop in bamboo stall to be 'self-reliant'

Guwahati: In what can be termed as a true example of the atma nirbhar (self-reliant) mode of progress as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, educated unemployed youths from the Kiphire district of Nagaland have opened a barbershop in a bamboo shanty.

The group of youths, calling itself the 'Educated Unemployed Bloc' of Kiphire, through this simple measure, seeks to eke out a living in the midst of the nationwide economic collapse triggered by the coronavirus and the ensuing lockdown. With the high rate of unemployment in Nagaland leading to anti-social behavior such as cheating and extortion etc, the EUB wants to set a good example for frustrated youths to be self-reliant and economically independent, the group stated on July 10, Friday, in a note to the media.

In its note, the EUB has appealed to the Nagaland state government to assist unemployed youths through mini-projects and schemes for them to be self-reliant and economically dependent.

These group of inventive youths has now officially entered the discussion -- thanks to their unique yet ingenious way to beat the ills of unemployment by setting up an enterprise of their own - be it small and humble. Also, 

The group's appeal has come in the midst of the Nagaland Government's ongoing crackdown against the alleged extortionists, running illegal rackets, and "collections" across Nagaland. The Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy, has meanwhile, instructed all Administrative Heads and Heads of the Departments to obtain information in self-declaration form from Government employees regarding family members and relatives in "underground organizations" and submit to the Home Department, Political Branch latest by August 7.

After Governor RN Ravi's letter to Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on law and order situation, the police and Assam Rifles have upped their efforts to bust militant hideouts and several cadres have been arrested with arms, ammunition, money and other incriminating documents in the recent past.

In the midst of this crisis, the initiative by these youths -- spirited despite their unemployment -- will serve as a wake-up call to young people in not just Nagaland but across the country, that enterprise is the way forward. Especially in these testing and trying times, with the COVID-19 virus knocking on every doorstep and lives and livelihoods being thrown into disarray. At a time like this, any positive development or message -- be it minor -- will serve as an optimism booster and provide them with motivation to lead their lives in a smart and dignified manner.

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