UKHRUL, NOVEMBER 9: The Second Lamka Youth Summit concluded with a renewed purpose and optimism under the theme, “Handcrafting Our Future – Towards Sustainable Development.”
Convened by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) and Nest Lamka with the support of the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Summit took place in Lamka, Churachandpur district, Manipur on Saturday and saw hundreds of students, young entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders come together to reimagine the role of youth in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
The Summit was inaugurated by Reverend Chinkhengoupau Buansing, Youth Coordinator, EBC, followed by a hybrid inaugural session featuring warm wishes and online participation of distinguished dignitaries, including Vumlunmang Vualnam, secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India; Pausianmuang Tunglut, joint director, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; and Mara Kocho, managing director, NEHHDC.
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Dharun Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district addressed the youth gathering as functional president on the topic of “Handcrafting Sustainable Development through Peace.”
The event also saw participation from various government departments, civil society organisations, NGOs, and bright young minds brought together by the Summit’s Local Partners — Rayburn College, St. Paul’s Institute, and Vision Lamka.
In his welcome address, Nangmuansang Lethil, chairman of Nest Lamka, reflected on the lasting impact of the recent turmoil that has ravaged Lamka and the wider Zo region, noting how the prolonged instability has hindered economic growth and erased many opportunities for young people. He outlined how the Second Lamka Youth Summit was thus envisioned as a proactive response — a platform for youth to reconnect with their goals, rediscover purpose, and begin rebuilding pathways to progress and prosperity.
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Vumlunmang Vualnam, who graced the Summit through an online medium, challenged the youth of this generation about the rapidly changing world, and how managing and adapting with this change is going to impact in deciding their future. He went on to encourage the youth to become producers and not just passive consumers in this new platform of IT, social media and AI. He also conveyed his appreciation for the organisers of the Lamka Youth Summit and urged the participants to focus on adding value in everything they do.
The conclusion of the inaugural session saw the transformation of the main venue into a bustling marketplace filled with dozens of stalls selling handmade traditional arts, crafts, cuisines as well as locally-produced items from Lamka’s enterprising youth.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Summit also hosted an inter-generational knowledge transfer of traditional skills and handicrafts wherein participants are exposed to hands-on training on bamboo crafting, weaving using loin loom, transforming of textile design onto the actual fabric using loin loom as well as the lost art of traditional rice pounding and husking technique.
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Folk singers and dancers occupied the centre of the main venue and shared their art forms to interested participants- teaching how to beat the drum or strike the gong. Their mesmerizing tribal dance moves enhanced the lively ambience. A group going around the main venue and quizzing the participants on the structure of the traditional Zomi family council, customary laws and practices, and the Lamka Chess Club holding a chess tournament at another corner captivated the youth to linger around and soak up each and every component of the Summit.
The event created pathways for enriching the region’s cultural heritage while promoting creativity, enterprise, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Summit also featured a series of well-attended interactive workshops and skill-building sessions held simultaneously at various rooms within the venue on vital and forward-looking themes focused on youth that include Franchising as a Path to Entrepreneurship by MK Gualnam, Certified Franchise Business Consultant, Franchise India Group; Roles of Banks in Promoting Entrepreneurship in the Economy by Ruata Khuptong, Deputy Manager, SBI, AMCC, Churachandpur; Creating Safe Spaces: Restorative Justice and the Circles Approach by Niangneihkim, Development Practitioner and Circles Facilitator; Financial Literacy and Career Opportunities in Banking by Lalrammawi, Chief Manager, SBI, Churachandpur and John Gersom, Relationship Manager, SME; Telling Stories through Photography and Reels by Zamlalmuan Naulak, Professional Photographer; and Understanding Fitness: A Guide to Lifelong Health and Performance by H Thangminlian, REPS India-registered Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Nutritionist.
The Second Lamka Youth Summit stands as a beacon of hope in these trying times, strengthening the pillars of resilience and empowering young people to become producers in handcrafting a sustainable future through skill, determination, resilience, and collaboration.