Women’s College Shillong hosted the Meghalaya Entrepreneurship Conclave 2022 with a panel discussion on the theme ‘Entrepreneurship and the Road Ahead – Meghalaya’s Next 50’.
Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh and East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh attended the conclave as guests.
Speaking at the event Lyngdoh stressed on the rural-urban connect saying, “If rural aspirations are treated in the same way as urban aspirations, Meghalaya will be able to connect to the global market thereby widening their contribution to the entire State economy.” He also stated the importance of upskilling the rural youth of the State.
Ampareen shared her vision for the institute and its students. “I wish that this institution will build the kind of human power that we urgently require for the State to seize all available resources for self-sustenance first,” she said.
In a bid to inspire and promote entrepreneurial mindsets in young people, the highlight of the event was an insightful discussion amongst an esteemed panel of home-grown entrepreneurs and like-minded professionals of a wide range of expertise and experience across sectors.
Members of the panel included renowned local entrepreneurs Larsing Ming Sawyan, Mark Laitflang Stone, Dasumarlin Majaw, Iba Mallai, Jivat Vaswani, Social Entrepreneur, Flo Oberhofer and Executive Director, MBMA, In-charge PRIME, Jagdish Chelani (IAS).
Sawyan spoke about the State’s growing relevance owing to its natural beauty and strategic location. He said, “Organic and pristine nature is going to be the mantra of the future. This is what we need to understand for the entrepreneur in us to emerge”. Adding to this, Flo Oberhofer encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to draw inspiration from their own culture and heritage.
In an effort to inspire an audience of future entrepreneurs, Mark Laitflang Stone said, “An entrepreneur’s biggest ecosystem is their partnerships. Your strength is in your teams.” He said that ideas can sometimes be so powerful but in other times, they need time and patience, but if one is willing to put in the effort, that patience will lead to persistence.
Iba Mallai, Fashion Designer & Founder of KINIHO, stressed that passion is the key driver of any entrepreneurial journey. “If you would like to start your own business, choose something that you are in love with,” she said.
Dasumarlin Majaw, Founder of Smoky Falls Tribe Coffee, weighed in her bit of encouragement as she added, “Believe in yourself. Believe in the product you are putting out. Stand firm in what you are doing and put it forward.”
Addressing the challenge of local product distribution to a wider market, Jagdish Chelani (IAS), Executive Director, MBMA, In-charge PRIME said, “We are in the process of creating a network of entrepreneurs at PRIME and our doors are open to anyone who needs consultation on the concept of seeding”. He further added that a sufficient database of entrepreneurs will enable them to conduct an entrepreneurship expo where local products and services can be showcased.
Jivat Vaswani, Entrepreneur & Managing Director, Jiva Hospitality of India Limited spoke on village tourism and employment generation. He said, “Village tourism carries the unique potential to generate employment for the locals and will help in the preservation of the natural wealth of our State.”
Women’s College Principal Dr. Ratnadeep Roy, Vice Principal Mayashree B. Das were present at the conclave. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Moushumi Dey who is the Administrator of the college.
