Government gives away state entrepreneur and handicraft awards

DIMAPUR — The Industries and Commerce department on Tuesday gave away State Entrepreneur 2023 and State Handicraft Awards 2023-24 to distinguished personalities during a programme held at its conference hall in Kohima.

The recipients of State Entrepreneur Award 2023 are Peihauding of M/s Ngurie company from Peren district for his innovative bio-enhancer, an organic composition that address key challenges face by flower growers and for contributing to agricultural sustainable and resilient ecosystem; Mulungnenla Pogen of M/s ISTI Natural from Dimapur district for her commitment in crafting herbal skin care solutions using indigenous herbs; and Nengneithem Hengna of M/s Runway India from Dimapur district for integrating Nagaland indigenous inspired jewellery into mainstream fashion and promoting tribal art.

The recipient of State Handicraft award 2023 are Vekuvolu Dozo for textiles loin loom, Shirme Ruivavao for wood carving, Imtiyala for handicraft crocheted craft, Cenam Wangcha for handicraft beads work, Vikheli H Ayemi for textiles loin loom, Kekuweu Lomi for textiles loin loom and Imtisenla for handicraft jewelry.

Under ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP), 10 chilli farmers and other 10 farmers cultivating pineapple, coffee,  kiwi, plum, avocado, tomatoes, basmati rice from the districts of Kohima, Chümoukedima, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren and Phek were given organic certification as per National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standard.

Speaking at the award giving ceremony, the commissioner and secretary of Industries and Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, expressed happiness to see a variety and creativity of Naga craftsman from different fields. He asked the award recipients and the department officials to maintain good relationship to enable the department provide required assistance for the benefit of the people.

He further congratulated all the winners and informed that the doors of the department are always open for any information and assistance in future, stated a DIPR report.

In his keynote address, the director of Industries and Commerce, A Temjen Jamir, stated that the award for entrepreneurs was initiated by the department with the administrative approval of the state government in the year 2022. He informed that the state entrepreneur award is a celebration of entrepreneurial excellence and innovation and recognition of outstanding achievements in the entrepreneurial world.

Jamir added that the awards were aimed at encouraging and promoting the culture of entrepreneurship by acknowledging the entrepreneurship spirit, innovation and significant accomplishment of individuals and companies. He added that it would also serves as a platform for honouring the remarkable contribution and innovations of entrepreneurs across the state.