Assam’s Cheniamguri village youngsters banish militancy through self-employment

CHENIAMGURI VILLAGE - Many youngsters in Assam’s villages have taken up different vocations instead of looking for jobs. They have changed life in the villages, which once used to be havens for militant activities.

Cheniamguri, a small hamlet of 1,000 people located on outskirts of Jorhat town, presents one such example.

Till recently, Cheniamguri was known to be badly affected by militant activities. However, today the situation has changed and the village is looking forward to better times, thanks to the consistent efforts of the local youth.

Typical of the youngsters of the village are Debojyoti Hazarika and Probita Borah, who are today self-employed.

Debojyoti has been running a small pharmacy store here since 2005, that caters to the needs of the villagers. Probita runs a grocery shop and practices bee-keeping.

“I ask the youth, who are facing financial problems, not to take up unlawful activities, as it affects their parents and friends. They should start a small business and success will soon be theirs,” Debojyoti said.

“The government has started various schemes for the unemployed youth. They must take advantage of these schemes to start their own business. And with hard work they will surely be successful. Take my example; I earn rupees 10,000 to 15,000 in a month. Agriculture is the main occupation of the villagers. And, to generate greater revenue, the young farmers are taking up alternative farming,” says Probita Borah.

Another youngster is Hemant Boruah, 28, who formed a group of five young farmers, who have jointly started vegetable farming.

In just five years they have increased the land under cultivation three-fold and are earning 30,000 to 40,000 rupees every season.

Hemant Boruah, a farmer, told us that he started farming in 2002, when he failed to get a job.

“I had to do something to earn a livelihood and farming was the best option. I had the advantage of owning some agricultural land and I was confident of earning much more through farming,” he said.

Infrastructure facilities in the village have improved considerably, as villagers now have access to potable water, electricity, education, and health services.

Tribujjal Prakash’s success is also an inspirational tale that showcases how change has taken place here. He took to playing the guitar when he was in standard one. Today, he is a popular artiste in the upper Assam region.

He has specialized in western music and classical vocal, and has participated in many music competitions.

The village has a Cheni-amguri Sangeet Vidyalaya, a music school for the youngsters.

“Music promotes peace and sends out a message that violence should end. Music is a path to peace ” said Tribujjal.

Cheniamguri village has now set an example for people in other parts of the Northeast. By Vashipem Kamodang (ANI)