Nagas becoming IT savvy
Some of them have chosen to disseminate IT education in the State, while the others chose the service sector to take IT to the doorstep. 

Sandeep Banerjee

QUICK learners, the Naga youth are fast becoming IT savvy to be in synch with the IT revolution sweeping the globe. Some of them have chosen the route of disseminating IT education in the State, while the others chose the service sector to take IT to the door step. One of those bright youngsters is T Akum. Just 26, he had a year-long crash course in hardware in where else but India’s first IT hotbed Bangalore after post graduation in Theology. “I was completely bowled over by the wind of IT era. Everyone around was talking about computers. It and was quite a craze among my friend circles. Understandably, I took it up with a passionate zeal and that’s how I landed up in this profession,” said Akum recollecting the twist of faith which had led him from the path of spiritual world to that epitome of the ultimate modern science—computers and IT.

After successfully completing his course and undergoing   practical training under IT companies in Bangalore, fired by a strong desire to bring home the fruits of IT revolution as well as help spread it better through affordable PCs and services, Akum headed straight for Nagaland to set up his own sales and servicing  outlet “Mikronet” at the hill-station capital Kohima.

“We were a bit slow in the IT race so I felt that I need to get in  the virgin territory and drive the pace of growth in the State”, explained Akum, adding that initially there he had to undergo a punishing time to convince people about the need for having a  working knowledge on computers and owning PCs or at least having access to the same. Seeing the brighter side in the grim fact of the State being a low computer density territory, Akum’s business instinct coupled with a passion to disturb that status quo drove him to explore the assembled retail PC market. He said while it was true that low computer literacy level was the primary reason for low computer penetration in the State, it was also true that a substantial segment of middle class had the buying power to own computers.

“They were simply holding back to get it at the right bargain or hesitating for whatever reasons,” he said, adding that he had therefore tried to curve a niche for himself    in the assembled as well  as branded products.

Speaking about the huge response from potential clients, he said he thought that he had been able to make new space in the PC sales market with competitive pricing which in turn triggered  more buying. “My unique selling point is quality computers at affordable price,” he said about his motto.

Akum said he would like to expand his enterprise to impart IT training on hardware and software to create skilled professionals,    who could make a difference to    the IT scene in the State. “I hope the Government would extend its helping hand in my mission”, he said.

Speaking about the IT scene in Nagaland, Akum said whereas the Government was doing its best it could do more towards having an IT vision and right public relations for winning capitals from outside.

“Today the business environment is much more capital-friendly. We do have skilled manpower to a certain degree and I believe with little bit of coherent persuasion and dedication to provide security and uninterrupted power from the Government’s side, IT investment can surely land in the State,” said Akum. One can only hope that the story of Akum will inspire many many Naga youth to explore various avenues to rescue the State from the curse of backwardness.