Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has urged young people in the state to look beyond government employment and develop skills that can help them pursue entrepreneurship, alternative livelihoods and other emerging opportunities.
Addressing the State Level Youth Festival 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Tuesday, Yadav said government jobs alone could not meet the aspirations of every young person and stressed the need for greater focus on skills, enterprise and self-reliance.
“Government employment alone cannot meet the aspirations of every young person. We must therefore be open to different pathways and opportunities,” Yadav said.
The Governor said an enterprising younger generation could make an important contribution to building a self-reliant Nagaland. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities in digital technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, creative industries and other emerging sectors.
Yadav said talent needed to be supported by practical skills, discipline, continuous learning and perseverance. He added that skills could be acquired not only through formal classrooms but also through practical experience, mentorship and hard work.
Focus on alternative livelihoods for athletes
The Governor also highlighted a skill-based economic sustenance initiative of the Youth Resources and Sports Department aimed at helping athletes develop alternative livelihood opportunities.
Under the initiative, 80 athletes have been trained in skills including crochet, floristry, pickle-making, baking and mobile phone repairing.
Yadav praised the handmade products and creative works displayed by students of the State Sports Academy and said sportspersons should be encouraged to develop skills that could support them beyond their sporting careers.
He said participation in sports helps young people develop discipline, teamwork, perseverance and leadership, but athletes should also have opportunities to acquire skills outside the sporting field.
The initiative is aimed at providing athletes with additional livelihood options and helping them prepare for life after their sporting careers.