Nagaland Honors Eight Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth

Kohima: The Nagaland Department of Industries and Commerce honored eight local entrepreneurs at a ceremony in Kohima on July 1, 2026. The state selected these individuals to recognize their contributions to economic growth and job creation.

Awardees include Pisala Sangtam, S. Khumo, Liyingbeni Odyuo, Vitoli Achumi, Imtisunup Longchar, Ajung Yaden, Atem Longkumer, Supongtola Aier, and Alem Konyak. These business owners represent industries ranging from handmade goods to food products.

Hekani Jakhalu, advisor for Industries and Commerce, credited these founders for driving the state economy forward. She highlighted the department’s RAMP initiative, which supports 750 MSMEs through a six month mentorship program under the Naturally Nagaland brand. Jakhalu warned business owners against doing every task alone. She told them to avoid the "founder’s trap" by building systems, delegating work, and networking effectively.

Department Director P. Tokugha Sema praised the winners for their persistence. He stated that entrepreneurship demands heavy sacrifice and consistent hard work. The event, chaired by Er. Y. Lipongse Thongstar, concluded with a call for the awardees to act as torchbearers for local commerce.