ITANAGAR, Aug 22: Aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and a start-up culture among students and young researchers, the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology’s IIC (Institution’s Innovation Council) celebrated World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2026 at the NERIST premises in Nirjuli on Friday.
Gracing the programme, Prof Narendranath S, Director NERIST, encouraged students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and explore opportunities in start-ups and enterprise creation rather than relying solely on government employment. He emphasised the importance of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in generating employment and contributing to the economic development of the region and the country.
The programme featured an inspiring talk by Gp Capt (rtd) Mohonto Panging Pao, entrepreneur and owner of ENAM Industry, associated with Tulang, an edible oil product. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial journey and experiences, Pao shared valuable insights on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including how to start an enterprise, challenges faced by entrepreneurs, mobilization of resources, available government schemes and support systems, and strategies for sustaining a business.
He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify opportunities, take calculated risks and remain persistent in overcoming the challenges encountered during the entrepreneurial journey.
Prof S Chandrashekaran, Dean (Administration) NERIST, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students.
As part of the programme, prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of the Idea Showcase competition held in connection with the Independence Day celebration on August 15. The initiative provided a platform for students to present their innovative ideas and demonstrated the Institute’s continued efforts to encourage creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship among young minds.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students and research scholars of NERIST. The interaction with the speaker provided participants with practical insights into establishing and managing an enterprise and helped them understand the opportunities and challenges associated with entrepreneurship.