Friday Market to ‘Vocal For Local’ was unveiled yesterday by Michael Shaiza, President ERA (Ecological Rehabilitators Association) at Ava Market in Ukhrul district Manipur. It was initiated by Vocal For Local, a Non-Profit Organization, in collaboration with Tangkhul Leisak Long (TLL) to promote the locals and boost the local economy.
Vocal For Local active members comprises of a strong and enthusiastic youths and entrepreneurs known in town. Mashungmi Zingkhai, Lemyao Shimray, AR Mathing, Pemmichon Tungshang, Remember Kapai, Ninglei Raikhan and Riyo Varam.
AR Mathing, Miss Manipur hosted the event and Rev. Somi Kasomwoshi, Pastor, Ukhrul Town Baptist Church invoked the blessings with the Biblical verse and prayer.
“Realising the fact, if we don’t do this now then our local products will not get the opportunity to do this better and we will not get encouraged. We develop this organization with the confidence that our people will realise the dreams to boost our economy with the availability of our resources present with us. Our team were confident enough of the abilities, confidence, and potential of our fellow people of the Ukhrul district to support the local market and achieve together as one. But by going and promoting Vocal For Local, we are not putting a stop to purchasing other products in the market. Rather we are increasing the availability of local products. We stand to be equally valuable in terms of price and quality as compared to its competitors. Vocal For Local will enable the local to maintain the neutrality and regular cash flow for our people throwing lifeline support to the marginalised domestic industries, farmers, entrepreneurs, vendors who are struggling to survive with day today in the wake of the pandemic. It also boosts the confidence of all those involved while at the same time helping in the promotion and preserving of our culture among the youths, providing the greatest opportunities for them to sustain individual and consume local produce whenever possible so that an increase in demand can be used to develop the locals and domestic industries and make them gradually self- reliant. Dreams do not come true very often but today some dreams did come true. Looking forward to all your continued support with the voice ‘Vocal for Local’ Ukhrul,” stated Mashungmi Zingkgai, Convenor, Vocal for Local-Ukhrul and Proprietor of Tribalgoo.
“There are many talented youngsters but how far they will go? How shall we develop? We need to support one another. I find beauty in Vocal For Local as it focus on ‘Dignity of Labour’. Identify individual talent and create the market avenue for survival,” suggested David Kashungnao, MCS, ADC.
Michael Shaiza vividly pointed out the four important reasons of Vocal For Local- Village economy, For health, Generic self-employment.” He stressed the importance of the marketplace where different ideas and knowledge are shared since time immemorial, the creation of jobs for educated unemployed youths by utilising and showcasing their talents and support the initiative to boost the local economy for the welfare of the society and district at large.
“We want to promote young entrepreneurs. We have begun and we will continue to do so. We have started it small but with great significance. We thank God for this. I believe that ‘Vocal For Local’ will work hard and create a bigger market platform for the benefit of Tangkhul, said Peacemoon Zimik, President, TLL.
“This pandemic is a blessing in disguise as many people have come back and started with their innovative ideas. Many people have started farming, poultry & piggery. Else, we Tangkhulnao don’t think much for the future to improve the economy. To have economic stability and freedom, we should continue to do this. God has blessed us with many natural resources, manpower and talents. The only thing we lack is effort and financial help from the government. Let’s help one another to build and develop our motherland. If we don’t do, who will do,” said Shangam A. (IFS) DFO Ukhrul district.
Many local entrepreneurs showcased their products. Cooking Mustard oil by Vocal For local to give awareness about oil making process and how harmful it is to use low quality oil, indigenous quality products of Langdang by Zingran Foods, handicraft items of Northeast by NEFY, LadyLike Sanitary napkins by LadyLike Pvt. Ltd., free storybooks for children by R.S. Arthur, the Youngest Chairman among Northeast Counselling Training Centre, sizzling menus of skewers, wine and kimchi by Gossip-girls, superfruits Samplings by Hao Agroforestry Pvt. Ltd., amazing herbal cosmetic & soap of Zimik & Herbs and Me showcase by Tribalgoo, an e-commerce shopline run by young Tangkhul entrepreneurs, Artwork by My Blackbook, Boho Traditional designs by Boho TDe, Ethnic handicraft products, Shan’s Fast Food and others, fruit candies, jam, pickles, indigenous black rice by Ngarum VDVK, flowers saplings by Ukhrul Centre VDVK and Tangkhul traditional products by Wung VDVK was available headed by Pemmila Tungshangnao, Master trainer and Proprietor, Zingran Foods.
Among the many participants, Baby Wungamphi Makung’s project-Buy an Angel for an Angel, sponsored by ‘The Naga Wire’ owned by Lemyao Shimray, Activist Writer, was spotted selling handmade crochet dolls in a dignified manner. When the customer buys her dolls, she said, ” Please put the money in the box.” Baby Phiphi is a class III student of Ukhrul Central school from Shingkap village. She is doing the project to help Lunghar Baptist Church for its Mission School new building.
Mashungmi Zingkhai said, “The headcounts were amazing! Great football, feedback from stallholders were even heart touching as they have a sigh of relief to find space for marketing their products. 90% commented that they will turn up next week again.”
To follow Vocal For Local Facebook page, click here.
By
Phungchamnao Ranreiphi Kharei
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