Minister tells life-tale to inspire local business community
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 06 2023: Veterinary and Animal Husbandry minister Khashim Vashum was in high spirits and essentially set the tone for the celebration of the Tangkhul Leihsak Long (TLL- trade & commerce union) silver jubilee held at Ukhrul town hall, here, on Wednesday.

It was a nostalgic moment for the minister, brought on by the recollection of his early days as a small businessman.

"Today is a most delightful day in my life.

It reminds me of the struggles during my early days doing some small businesses," Khashim Vashum said, while speaking as chief guest of the celebration.

In his inimitable style of speech, the minister marvelled the audience with stories of his adventures, and how his initial small-time business helped him fund his studies and other needs.

He went on to tell of his almost meteoric rise into the special contracting business, stating that the entire journey began with just a contract work of Rs 5000.Khashim remarked that his journey was filled with many risks and countless hours of dedication, but noted that each small victory kept him going until he became what he is today.

Coalescing his stories into a strong message, he underscored the importance of hard work and integrity as the only key to success.

His inspirational tale of his life journey was apt for the occasion, as it served to recalibrate the mindset of the local business communities to focus on hard work and integrity.

Khashim Vashum, who also holds the transport portfolio, also expressed his admiration for Tangkhul elders who had pioneered and traversed the uncharted territories of trade and commerce as well as entrepreneurship years back.

"The present-day generation builds fheir business upon the legacy left behind by the older generation," he noted and encouraged the present generation to make sure that they hand down a lasting legacy to guide and shape the future of business and entrepreneurship among the upcoming generations.

The minister observed that the problem of business competition in small towns like Ukhrul can be a daunting one, as many of the business tycoons often show indifference towards local communities.

"Unfortunately, such mentality can disregard the importance of strong local investment which can provide numerous benefits for the locals," he said.

Khashim Vashum then appealed to all local business persons to focus their investments in the district to promote long-lasting growth and development.

He urged the local business communities to abandon feelings of envy and instead extend help and support to their fellow business owners.

"We should learn to respect one another regardless of the business size because peaceful coexistence and cooperation is essential for success in the business world, " he exhorted, while advocating competing businesses to make an effort to work together and share resources in order to build a successful enterprise that puts the needs of the district first.

"The success of any business venture cannot be measured solely in terms of profits, but should also be gauged by its commitment to the local area," he said, urging business owners not to allow their competition to stifle progress within the community.

Earlier in the morning, minister Khashim Vashum hoisted the TLL silver jubilee flag while Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah unveiled the monument to open the celebration.

"Entrepreneurship has been a powerful driving force for economic growth and prosperity across the world, and the unlocking of such potential is only increasing," Ram Muivah said in his guest of honour speech.

According to Muivah, entrepreneurs have the potential to make an unlimited amount of earnings in contrast to government employees, who receive a fixed salary.

He cited this as the main difference between the two; stating that unlike government employees, entrepreneurs can have unlimited potential of success and for the sky is the only limit.

The event witnessed musical performances from three iconic Tangkhul singers and songwriters PC Angkang, Shon Shon SP and Chungsangla Jajo, captivating the attendees.

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