Top Entrepreneurs from Northeast India to look out for
SHILLONG:
The word ‘Entrepreneurship’ in Northeast India is picking pace, and the region, with its diverse content, is expanding into this territory. The work culture has also shifted as many youths from the region, after their exposure in mainland India and abroad, are rooting their skills back home to help employment generation and sustenance in the economy.
Let us find out some top entrepreneurs from NE India.
RAVI KHALING RAI (SIKKIM): Hailing from Namchi in South Sikkim, a young entrepreneur, Khaling launched the first-ever shopping website ‘www.makeinsikkim.com’ to take Sikkim’s local products to the international level.
MARK LAITFLANG STONE (MEGHALAYA): An award-winning entrepreneur, Mark is often referred to as “the original millennial start-up man of the North East.” He founded Avenues, a life skill coaching centre, in 2003 and since then it has reached out 90,000 people. Mark has served as a Founding Curator for the Global Shapers Community at the World Economic Forum; he was also the Founding State Co-Chair for Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Young Indians’ Meghalaya Chapter (2015-16) and, was a Council Member of CII’s India@75 National Council (2018-19).
HIRONMOY GOGOI (ASSAM): The founder and Creative Head at Gaon Ka Khana, he has set a record as the youngest author to write a book on entrepreneurship - “The Future CEO”, according to India Book of Records. He was awarded the Student Entrepreneur of the year 2016 by Entrepreneur Magazine and, was honoured with the prestigious Asia Inspiration Award in Sri Lanka for his inspiring journey.
BENTHUNGO KITHAN (NAGALAND): Co-founder of Apex Manpower Services Pvt. Ltd, he also partnered at Aroma Eatery, dealing in food and beverage. He also founded Fresh Zola, an app which delivers groceries and essential commodities and, has employed about 200 people in his establishments.
RAMINA HAOROKCHAM (MANIPUR): A media marketing professional, she is the founder and CEO of GojiLove. It was first started as an online platform for personal products but in due course of time, they expanded their business with their Indian-wear section called “Rangfirash”, a joint venture with Co-Founder and sister, Reena to bring everything that is Made in India into one platform.
MALSAWMTLUANGI HMAR (MIZORAM): She started her business in 2016 by selling the traditional handwoven ‘Puak Puan’ and ‘Puan’ called ‘Zo Weave’. She began expanding her business by re-designing the traditional Naupuakpuan (Baby Sling) with floral motifs.
LITER BASAR (ARUNACHAL PRADESH): The proud owner and head chef of the LIBA Cafe and Patisserie in Arunachal’s capital city, Itanagar. The outlet is now a year old and Basar wants to continue adding more elements to it using local produce of the region.
ROHIT BHATTACHARJEE (TRIPURA): A 22-year-old entrepreneur, who opened an LED bulb manufacturing factory known as RB Illuminations, has opened up opportunities for many unemployed youths of the state to hone their skills.
