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YouthNet, a dynamic social organization based in Dimapur and Kohima, has been championing youth empowerment in Nagaland for nearly two decades. Founded in 2006 by Hekani Jakhalu—a lawyer-turned-politician and social entrepreneur—YouthNet has grown into one of Northeast India’s most influential platforms for youth development.
Hekani Jakhalu’s journey from a legal career to grassroots leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people in her home state. In 2023, she and Salhoutuonuo Kruse made history by becoming the first women elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Jakhalu currently serves as a member of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
YouthNet was established with a clear mission: to empower young people through entrepreneurship, skill development, and employment opportunities. Its founding philosophy—“Empowering youth, transforming society”—continues to guide its diverse initiatives that bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment, allowing young Nagas to thrive within their own communities rather than migrate in search of opportunities.
From its modest beginnings, YouthNet has grown into a transformative force, directly impacting over two lakh lives across Nagaland and beyond. It supports youth, women, and indigenous communities in building sustainable enterprises across sectors such as banana fibre products, jewellery, food processing, tourism, and handicrafts. Many of these entrepreneurs are first-generation business owners from rural and underserved areas, carrying forward a legacy of innovation rooted in tradition.
Made in Nagaland: A Platform Rooted in Culture and Identity
In 2017, YouthNet launched Made in Nagaland (Visit here), a flagship initiative that celebrates the state’s unique crafts, flavors, and stories. This initiative not only provides a marketplace—both physical and digital—but also champions the pride and identity behind every product. From handwoven textiles to banana fibre containers, these goods tell a story of tradition, innovation, and resilience.
Inclusive and Impactful Programs
YouthNet’s commitment to inclusive growth is evident through its many initiatives:
Supporting Rural Women Entrepreneurs
During our 2023 visit to YouthNet in Dimapur, and their partner villages—like Bade—we saw firsthand how rural women are trained in banana fibre extraction and product-making. Most of these women have limited formal education and face language barriers, which makes navigating the business world difficult. YouthNet supports them with registrations, pricing strategies, and product marketing—often selling their creations under the Made in Nagaland brand. What stood out was YouthNet’s commitment not just to doing things for these women, but to empowering them to eventually do it themselves.
Nurturing the Future: YouthNet’s Incubation and Development Centres
At the heart of its ecosystem lies the
YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC), which offers a 28-week program covering
everything from legal compliance to branding. And looking toward the future,
Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) have been set up across all 16
districts of Nagaland, nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
As YouthNet celebrates 19 years of impact, it stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. From weaving dreams in remote villages to showcasing them on national platforms, YouthNet is not just creating entrepreneurs—it’s preserving a way of life, fueling aspirations, and building a future rooted in pride, resilience, and community.
Here’s to the dreamers. Here’s to more
local and regional brands like Made In Nagaland-
Explore more at https://madeinnagalandcenter.in/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcMWjhdsCpybIj1O96n4TwQ6ryYR9FfLUS3-9FrRiEuszBi1VL
www.youthnet.org.in and follow their inspiring journey on Instagram.
