In the heart of Shillong’s Ïewduh, where the smell of fresh produce mingles with the chatter of vendors, a young boy once dreamed of a better tomorrow.
At just 15, Generous Warlarpih stepped into the world of butchery, his hands inexperienced but his heart full of determination. Thirty-five years later, it was a proud evening for that same boy, now a visionary entrepreneur, who was honoured with the ‘Vocational Excellence Award 2024’, a testament to how far passion and resilience can take a person.
Growing up amidst the crowded lanes of Ïewduh, Warlarpih saw how traditional meat-selling practices, though steeped in culture, often compromised hygiene and safety. His life changed forever when he encountered the Western style of meat processing cleaner, safer, and more organised. It planted a seed of ambition, a dream to bring these standards to his hometown.
The vocational excellence award acknowledged Warlarpih’s pioneering efforts and the ripple effect his business has had on the community.
Warlarpih found D.B.S. Mukhim, from the Commissionerate of Food Safety an inspirer, who encouraged him to undergo hygienic meat processing training in Chennai.
In 2019, his dream took form as “Weilabha Meat Processing Unit”, a modern facility that prioritises hygiene, safety, and quality. Unlike traditional practices, every step at Weilabha is meticulous; animals are screened before slaughter, skinned with precision, and undergo post-mortem checks to ensure the meat is fit for consumption.
“We don’t just sell meat. We sell trust and health,” Warlarpih said, his eyes glistening with pride. Behind the polished walls of Weilabha lies a story of grit and perseverance.
Starting Weilabha was no easy feat. Warlarpih had no government aid and relied solely on his savings. Livestock had to be imported from outside the state, adding to the financial strain. But his determination outweighed his fears. Slowly but steadily, Weilabha grew, supplying high-quality meat through its own store in Mawlai Phudmuri, a franchise in Mawroh and two departmental outlets.
In 2022, he took another bold step, raising his own cattle, albeit on a small scale. “It’s not much yet, but it’s a start.” he says. Beyond profits, Weilabha has become a lifeline for the community. Warlarpih employs 10 locals, offering them not just jobs but training and dignity. The demand for Weilabha’s products often exceeds supply, a bittersweet reminder of how much more he wishes to achieve. Looking at the bigger picture, Warlarpih also dreams of empowering rural communities. “If our villages start breeding cattle, it will not only provide raw materials but also a steady income for the youth,” he says.
As Shillong celebrates this milestone, Warlarpih stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with vision and hard work; even the most traditional trades can be transformed into something exceptional.
