Paul and his Dream Machine

One would most often spot K.K Paul Rutsa on an adventure, riding to exotic places, not merely for the love of it, but because, in his words, “I’ve always wanted to know more and more about my people, my state.” For which, he also says, “all my adventure activities are concentrated towards our beautiful state, so that I can enrich myself with every minute detail that is necessary for us.”

He has been to many other states across India and abroad, including Myanmar, on his dream machine, as he calls it. But clearly, no place was more impressive than what Nagaland has to offer, which is why he would rather choose places closer home than riding elsewhere.

The story of the adventurer in him essentially begins with the awe-inspiring Dzükou valley, which, he also says, has been the greatest aspiration and inspiration for him. Interestingly, he had imagined it even before he had visited the place. He even won a prize from a drawing competition where he drew the Dzükou of his dreams, which, incredibly turned out to be exactly the same as the existing Dzükou. Understandably, this instantly drew him to nature. The rest, as they say, is history even while Paul would say, “it was the beginning of a love story which grew deeper as the years passed by and I finally got enchanted by it; and it turned me into an adventurer who never stopped exploring.”

He is a man who loves to be lost in imagination- “That is to imagine something which is very peculiar, in the sense that hardly anybody would ever give a thought to such things”, he explains. “Travelling to places is my passion which I do to fulfill my dream to love and know nature better. I love to take on the challenges that arise from the roads that are less travelled on my dream machine, that is my bike, for she takes me to the places that I desire or dream of at minimum expenses and of course, she makes it very thrilling with lots of fun on the way”, he goes on to say.

Further on, throwing more light on his adventures, he shares that, “to plan out for a journey is a tedious work because it demands planning and the first thing that we need to do is to steal time from our busy schedule as we can’t afford to put a halt to our daily activities. The next thing is proper and sensitive selection of the destination as I feel that every trip is a new learning experience, and if it’s a group adventure with more than ten people travelling together than it still becomes more challenging because it demands a lot of discipline in managing the crowd on the road, but it also brings lots of fun.”

For him, every place or state is unique, blessed with its own beauty, but to this, he also says, that  one “needs a special sense of vision to see it and a special heart to feel it”. And if there is a valuable lesson he has learnt from all his adventures, then, it is “to love and respect all those we meet along our way and also to manage time wisely and maintain good health.”

K.K. Paul Rutsa, who is the youngest son of Vimedo Rutsa,  remembers himself as a child who played more games than he studied. Painting, sketching, carpentry, mechanical works and all forms of art have been his hobbies and passion since childhood.

He strongly feels that our culture forms the backbone of our identity and is deeply concerned that gradually we are losing it, apart from preserving historical places and our beautiful land. As a member of Nagaland Adventure Club and also of Nagaland Motorcycle Club, he enlightens, “we are working together in promoting and preserving our culture through adventure sports and travelling. We feel a little sense of responsibility and contribution from each of us will bring about a positive change in keeping our cultural identity intact.”

Unemployment, for him, is also a very big issue while expressing further that its impact will create a lot of social menace. “We need to be more open and likeminded in taking up any employment opportunities that come up irrespective of it government or private etc,  last but not the  least it’s not possible for the government to create jobs for the ever growing population so we should also be creative in innovating opportunities for oneself”, he emphasizes.

Further stating belief that ecotourism will be a suitable avenue for the state to economically prosper considering the geographical location and the vast abundance of the flora and fauna, he speaks on behalf of NAC when he says that, “as a member of Nagaland Adventure Club, I would like to say that we have on our part taken several small steps in putting up the state on the National arena through adventure sports but we feel that with more support from the government we will be able to achieve much and put our state on the international arena and that will the goal for me in years to come.” 

“Let’s be one and share equal responsibilities in whatever we do to make this state of ours much better and also let’s play our part positively and constructively instead of blaming one another and let our words be converted into actions”, is what he has to say to young people.      

Inspired by the challenge to accomplish the unachievable, Paul Rutsa is an exterior & interior designer by profession. He also runs a shop, that deals with automobile accessories and adventure gears while his love for adventure continues to live and create impact at the same time.

Basic advice for all those who would love to prepare for a trip

·        Never take on a trip when your health doesn’t permit you.

·        Expenses will always be more than what you estimate.

·        Have basic knowlegde of first aid

·        When you visit a place be acquainted to it than being a stranger.

·        Carry basic spare parts and tools.

‘What I am, where I am now, I owe it to YouthNet’

Never mind the tally. Samuel Magh, steadfast accountant for ‘YouthNet’, also the longest serving employee of this youth oriented organization does not bother to keep count of his length of service.

Six years on the roll with YouthNet, and the first sentence Samuel utters with a gush -“It’s been an amazing journey!”

 “Working with icons like Hekani Jakhalu, founder of YN, Joshua Sheqi and Lezo Putsure has been a source of inspiration,” he exclaims with alacrity.

A student of DBS Chiephobozou and GHS Chiechama, Samuel completed his B.Com from Baptist College , Kohima in 2005. After a brief stint as a teacher in a school, Samuel joined YouthNet in 2009. He has not looked back ever since.

In a tête-à-tête, Samuel shares with us a first impression on his enchanting life with YouthNet.

FIVE YEARS IS A LONG TIME. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH YOUTHNET.

=> It has been an amazing journey at YouthNet and every day I learn new things. I am fortunate to work with very competent and efficient mentors like Madam Hekani Jakhalu (YN Director & Founder), Joshua Sheqi, Lezo Putsure who have all molded me. Not forgetting my supportive colleagues who continue to motivate me…

What I am, where I am now, I owe to YouthNet.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

=>I love the work culture at YouthNet. There is so much positive energy and everyone is busy in their respective assignment. The environment, the nature of the work, the team bonding and most importantly our contribution to the youths of Nagaland is of utmost importance.

We also get the opportunity to connect and interact with people from different walks of life.

STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES YOU HAD TO FACE TO REACH WHERE YOU ARE TODAY

=>Since my educational background was average, many times I found some tasks harder than others. However I made it a point to learn new things each day. My colleagues have been very understanding and assisted me at all times. Now I feel more skilled and I want to continuously learn.

FUTURE PLANS. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 5 YEARS FROM NOW?

=>I cannot tell what the future holds for me.  But as long as I am with YouthNet, I will learn more and at the same time contribute what I have learned through my service and work assigned to me.

Five years from now, I see myself taking on new and exciting challenges and emerge as an invaluable asset to the organization.

Sky is the limit for cabin crew, Ajung Jamir

Ajung Jamir

Based in Doha as a cabin crew with the Qatar Airways, Ajung Jamir has extensively travelled the world, but has firmly remained grounded to her roots. For her, it is extremely important to know one’s roots and identity and she has clearly drawn valuable lessons from travelling across the globe even as she shares that, “Travelling has taught me about humility and respect- it taught me how to respect equally a cleaner on board as I would the CEO of my company.” 
Working in a company of almost 7000 crew from all over the world, she goes on to say, “when the first question a stranger asks is "where are you from?", it is very important to know one's roots and identity, to remain grounded, or else we will be just one of the faces that serve them chicken with rice.”

One would think the life of a flight attendant is one filled with glamour and style, and while that may be true to a certain extent, the profession is certainly not without challenges. “When I get ready for duty, I am clueless of what to expect out of that day or flight. The unpredictability of this job is what I find challenging and Fun at the same time. This is a profession that will keep everyone's toe on check. And one who is spontaneous ought to love every bit of it”, she says.

Describing her two years’ journey with Qatar Airways as quite remarkable, she goes on to share that, “I've had the privilege of meeting some amazing people from around the globe, learn about life, friendship and growth, which I doubt I would have had, had I been home and just amongst people I am comfortable with.” To this end, she also remembers one of her professors back from college, who told them that, ‘being around people help us discover ourselves better and I couldn’t agree more with him because I now realize how I have evolved as a person and this profession has also helped me hone my PR skills.’

Yet, when she was a kid, nobody would have imagined her to be in her shoes today. Because, as she says, “as a child, I was naughty, mischievous and adventurous. I don’t have any memories of owning a Barbie or a dress, I was out and about exploring the famous Milak river near our ward/colony in Mokokchung with my brothers, playing marbles ,climbing trees, stealing plum (fruit), breaking school glasses, giving a scare to the little boys who tease my sister or just being one of the famous G.I JOES and fighting sword fights with my neighbour boys.”

She also admits that her current profession is more of an accident than intentional. “I've never planned on becoming a cabin crew, until I bumped into an advertisement online one night, submitted my resume and then one thing led to the other and here I am today in Doha working as a cabin crew”, she says.

Before she got into it, she further recalls that this profession to her was all about a pretty face, looking good, smiling to the passengers and doing a bit of demo before take-off. But that opinion has clearly changed a lot since she joined, even as she goes on to add, “who knew about being professionally trained on first aid, or securing a certificate and a license before one is given the green card to fly? This job needs a lot of brain and will power. Brain to study and remember, the will power to take in everything that is thrown at you.”

Apparently, there are no normal days for a cabin crew. “Each flight is unpredictable in its own way, thanks to the passengers. It won’t matter to the passengers if you just had the biggest heart break of the century or you just had your period because whatever it may be, you "have to" attend to your passengers. Period. You will have babies crying non-stop, hyper active holiday makers wanting a refill of beers and wines, first timers trying all the buttons on the handset, and then we have the difficult passengers who refuses to sit down and buckle up plus the turbulence. What am saying is, there is no typical or normal day for a cabin crew. In fact there is one thing I can promise you - no two days are ever the same. There is no 1 to 10 here, and you’re never quite sure how your day will turn out! In short this is a profession that will always challenge you and keep you on your toes. The unpredictability is the soul of this job, I feel”, she throws glimpses into the life of a cabin crew.

Ajung Jamir would describe herself as a people person even as she elaborates by saying, “I love people,- working with them, talking with them, helping them- I just love being around people. This being said, of course, there are times when I require my "quiet space" (I’ll be insane without it), and this is the time I read, write and think.”

When she is not flying, she tries to achieve the basics first, such as catch on her sleep, do her laundry, cook and sit for her famous rice, dal and aloo fry dinner or lunch. Once these goals are accomplished, she is out and about Doha, be it on a movie spree, shopping, reading a book in her room or just catching up with her friends.

She would also absolutely encourage more Naga youths to join a profession like hers even while putting across that this job pays to travel and not only that, she further adds, “you get to spend on yourself, help out here and there if required and then get to save in your personal bank account too. This profession not only open avenues of meeting people from diverse backgrounds but also help in achieving one's own personal dreams. I had the privilege of flying with a lawyer from Cairo, a microbiologist from Tehran and also a Doctor from South Africa (to name a few). They are working as cabin crew to travel and to save -save enough money to go back to their own home country and start up their very own private law firm, finance for higher studies/specialization or open up a clinic. What I am saying here is, certain jobs always helps give that little push to the next venture you might have in life.”

While on the other hand, she strongly feels about sexual discrimination/abuse. “I don't understand why a mother and her daughter have to give up on their home just because the father passed away and have no son to carry on his name. I don't understand why a girl is being eve-teased and made uncomfortable just because she is passing by a road where some boys are playing cricket. I don't understand why a husband beats his wife black and blue just because he is having an affair and needs an outlet for his guilt. I don't understand why a mother has to go through the lifelong guilt of killing her own baby just because her husband wants a baby boy over a girl. What I also don't understand is why a woman is raped and murdered just because a man feels like it. I really wish there were some strict penalty for such evil acts meted out against women and not just jailed, discussed in hushed tones or the constant unsuccessful rallies we've had”, she delves in showing great concern.

And as far as the youth of Nagaland are concerned, if she could, she would try and do away with the present trend and dependence on Government Jobs even while expressing that. “we should all try and take the risk of making the best use of the resources around us instead of relying solely on Goverement jobs.” She believes that our youths are blessed with immense talents when it comes to music, art and entrepreneurship, which, she goes on to say is very encouraging and so, it is also her wish that ‘our people continue to encourage each other and create more avenues for such ventures to grow.’

She may be engrossed in her career as a cabin crew for now, but somewhere down the line, she can definitely imagine herself going back to her roots, and  in her words, “doing what I have always wanted to do. Teach.”

Youngs Club, giving hope to the hopeless

For somebody who dropped out of school because his family could not afford it, Jenpu Rongmei has come a long way. He has stood firm in pursuing the dream of his childhood, which is to serve people; and he has gone on to achieve it, acknowledging still, that it was by the sheer grace of God.

He did not look back and he did not give in to the financial constraints that his family had, because as they say, there is always a way for someone who has the will. “Youngs Club” was born out of many struggles and hard work but it’s got the most beautiful story to tell. Jenpu formed the club in 2010 in memory of his younger brother who died as a victim of drugs. His efforts that began to pay off in 2010, dates back to a humble beginning in 2000 when he started involving himself in youth activities in his locality, voluntarily engaging himself for the welfare of the students and the community at large.

Coming across a number of school drop-outs, who eventually got frustrated and as a result indulged themselves in anti-social activities including drug abuse, Jenpu began by motivating them in his own little way. He asserts that he was not highly qualified but it does not come as a surprise that he was recognized by his own students’ community and hence, served as an executive member. Much as he wanted to study further, his financial condition at home did not allow him, which, he confesses was hurtful.

In 2004, he started visiting offices of NGOs, collecting information on HIV/AIDS, Youth Development and how to work on community service notwithstanding the fact that he was given a cold shoulder several times. However during 2005, he started working at an NGO as a Peer Outreach Worker in the UNODC project at Bethesda Youth welfare centre. One could say 2006 was a painful year for him as he lost his brother to drugs that year and felt like he lost everything. But it was also then, he started focusing more on the youths, drug users and alcoholics alike.

“I started talking about drugs at home, family circle, youth programs and even in sport activities but could not do independently since I was working under an organization, and so, in the year 2010, I took a bold decision to do something for the youths, especially for the dropout students…I couldn’t save my own brother from drugs but took a challenge to spread awareness to other youths to abstain from drugs”, he thoughtfully expresses.

He insists that it was with the help of his close friends and younger sister that Youngs’ Club was formed on 22^nd August, 2010 with the motto ‘Let’s give hope’. Youngs Club gives support to young people and drop-out students to engage themselves in community service, organize various youth programs, events, sports, workshops etc,  helping them abstain from anti social activities and to become self responsible in every field.

Well, today, that same school drop-out, who couldn’t afford to study all he wanted, has many enriching experiences tucked under his belt. He has worked at the United Nation’s Office for Drugs and Crime H- 13 Project at Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre, worked on the Targeted Intervention Project on truckers at NEDHIV, he was also selected at CLLJ for  the youth mentoring and development program at Delhi, served as Information secretary of Dimapur District Voluntary Blood Donors Association, attended several workshops, conferences and trainings outside Nagaland such as the Youth Leadership in Kolkata 2013, Northeast training on voluntary blood donation at Mizoram in 2013, Human Rights workshop at Shillong  2012, Drugs conference on searching the truth and solution at Guwahati 2013, and Nagaland’s own event, Indian Himalaya Youth Summit at Kisama. Meanwhile, Youngs Club also distinguished itself by earning the title, Most Trusted Partner of Voluntary Blood Donation by district hospital blood bank in the year 2012 apart from receiving the Nagaland state best youth club award 2013 from Nehru Yuva Kendra.

Jenpu, who starts a new day with hope and faith has a special corner for downtrodden children, who have no proper education, proper food, proper health facilities even as he emphasizes that ‘every child is beautiful, rich or poor.’ His heart also goes out for dropout students while observing that the society only talks about educated unemployed, and questions, what about drop out students, should we just leave them? “They have the talent but lack opportunity’, he says and regretfully adds that ‘most people always target drop-out students for wrong doings…the problem is that the society don’t accept them’.

Yet, when it comes to his most fulfilling moment, he is happy to share about a girl he sponsored, completing her Theological Studies apart from another dropout Student, who changed his lifestyle by participating in his programs and activities, and is currently working in Kerala.

It isn’t hard to see why Jenpu has come this far. Hard work does pay off and he has certainly shown the courage to live a well cherished dream, even as the thriving social worker leaves with some food for thought- “Take your own decisions, take control! Be self responsible...Live not only for you but live for others (society).”

Some of his Projects:

Initiated and started “Project Care & Hope”, a home based care support project for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, Drug abuse and alcoholic parents. Besides, it also supports children from downtrodden background for those who want to continue studies. With no funding agency for this project, Jenpu manages with his team by identifying the child and reaching out to the community, sharing the painful stories of those children. People touched by their stories sponsor these children. Presently, most of the members of Naga Blog are supporting the children under Care and Hope.

‘Discover Positive’: ‘Discover Positive’ project aims to enable school/College drop-outs and underprivileged youths to transcend from dependency to independency by facilitating them to face challenges whilst enhancing their talents/abilities for a productive life. ‘Discover Positive’ is to reach out to the young people, especially dropout students and underprivileged youth and to give them determination to discover their positive challenge towards a better life, to explore their talents to, develop their capacity, become sociable, involve themselves in a youth program and other community service so as to abstain from Anti-Social Activities. 

Kevitho Kera: The social activist, writer & aspiring politician

His first experience for a social cause was the Naga Blog Fire Relief Trip to Yakshu and Yongkhao villages under Mon District in 2012, during a time these two villages were ravaged by fire. More recently, Kevitho Kera was involved in organizing the Naga Blog Protest Rallies against the atrocities committed by the Karbis against the Western Rengmas in Karbi Anglong in Dimapur and Kohima.

These two enriching experiences also perhaps explain his desire to be a Social Activist while members of Kuknalim.com would fondly remember him as “Nightwing” who almost religiously visited the website, when hundreds of Naga youths studying or working outside in the cities were just beginning to connect themselves in a lively chat-room that never seemed to sleep.

He has been popular right from the Kuknalim days till the time social networking took over, and he began to take more active part in promoting social causes. He is also the brainchild behind Facebook groups such as Photography Naga, Naga Spear, Naga Artwork Page and Learn Tenyidie, to name a few.

Interestingly, a look into his ambitions reveal a variety of career choices ranging from a Commando Captain to a Christian Missionary to becoming an IAS Officer and currently boiling down to a Social Activist, who, he says would one day become a politician.

In conversation with a future politician, who does not mind calling himself a failed businessman, YNOX brings to our readers in our first issue for 2014, more glimpses into the life of Kevitho Kera, who is not only a social activist but also a writer and a poet.

Best childhood memories:

One would be me playing G.I.Joes as a boy and being surrounded by my cousins. As a boy I was very imaginative and I would cook up all false war stories and play with G.I.Joes and my cousins would just watch me play for hours. Some of my cousins would come for sleepovers during their vacations just to watch me play G.I.Joes! Another would be saving up money to buy Tintin and Commando comics. I also read a lot of books, it’s only when I grew up I stopped reading books.

Describe yourself:

Well I love the word Nerd and I am a big time Nerd and I am very proud of it. Other than that I am a semi- extrovert, friendly, fun loving, very observant and I have a thick skin; I am not hurt easily and I can forgive people easily. One thing about me is that I believe I was a Knight in my previous birth (laughs). I used to spent hours googling about Knights; how they behaved, how they talked, etc… that is where I believe being a gentleman came from like letting girls go inside first, pulling chairs and opening doors for girls.

Education:

B.A History Honors, Delhi University.

When did your love for writing begin and where do you draw inspiration from?

First of all I am just a pseudo-writer and I write bad poetry! But yes I love writing and my love for writing began as a boy in high school when I wrote about the story of a dog being raised in a Naga family while I started writing poems during my college days. I am so into Naga Social and Political issues and that is where I draw my inspiration from, for my write-ups but for my poetry is more about personal issues.

Experiences with Social Campaigns:

My first experience for a social cause was the ‘The Naga Blog Fire Relief Trip’ to Yakshu and Yongkhao villages under Mon District in 2012. The two villages were ravaged by fire, so The Naga Bloggers collected money and materials and donated it to the two villages. That trip was an eye opener for me and broadened my views, I will never forget the trip! Recently I was involved in organizing the ‘The Naga Blog Protest Rallies’ against the atrocities committed by the Karbis against the Western Rengmas in Karbi Anglong in Dimapur and Kohima. Organizing protest rallies was no joke and I learned a lot. For example organizing protest rallies differs with every district and also one thing which we have to keep in mind is that we have to respect the district administrations. Organizing protest rally in Dimapur was easier but in Kohima we not only had to get the permission of the district administration but also the permissions of the different apex bodies of Kohima District. I learned to respect the District administration and the apex bodies through these two protest rallies.

Any social cause you particularly care for and why?

One thing that is always on my mind these days are the Nagas outside Nagaland. We Nagas of Nagaland are relatively in a better position than the Nagas living In Myanmar or Arunachal Pradesh. I especially want to work for Nagas of Myanmar, as they are struggling a lot; they are socially, politically and economically struggling more than the Nagas of India, the world is making them question their identity. One day when I am rich enough and get my passport, I’ll go to the Naga areas of Myanmar and tell their stories to the world.

What are your struggles and challenges and how do you overcome them?

I have a mental illness call Anxiety Disorder which is a scary illness but I have overcome it with sheer will power and with the help of Medicines. I want to tell Nagas that Mental Illness is here in Nagaland and you are not mad or anything like. It is just a sickness which can be cured with medicines. I used to have issues with confidence when I was younger but I overcame it with the help of God and constantly telling myself that I am unique and I have unique talents .

What does a normal day look like for you?

On a normal day I wake up and brush my teeth with vengeance! Have a cup of tea and carefully go through the newspapers and if my hawk eye catches anything interesting, I write it down and post it in The Naga Blog. I spent most of time in the internet googling stuffs, reading it and updating myself. If civil service exams are near I go to my table and bury my head in my books. Also I love to lie on the bed and think about a lot on how I can contribute to the Naga Society; I do a lot of thinking on a normal day.

Hobbies:

I do a little bit of gardening; I love flowers. One may say it’s unmanly but I got green fingers after my mom. I used to do a little bit of sketching and read a lot of books. I plan to take up the two again this year.

If there is one thing you can change in the Naga society, what would it be and why?

Oh let me put it straight and precisely. We Nagas are very, very, very, laidback. I want to change that in any way I can. I want us to be like the hard working Japanese and Singaporeans; they are from small countries but look where their hard work and dedication led them to. They are economic powerhouses!

Where do you go from here?

Well I plan to write a book and maybe more if God permits. Then I would love to do a lot of social service and yes I would love to join Politics. Though I am from a very typical Naga middle class family, we have no money and no connection but I dream of being a politician one day.

Mhalesinuo Tepa: Designer with a Voice

Although her love for designing can be traced back to childhood, Mhalesinuo Tepa really started pursuing it more seriously during her break from B.A final examinations, which also gave her ample time to put her thoughts together and fix her mind on designing beautiful outfits.

It was the year 2011 when she graduated in English Literature from Sazolie College under Nagaland University, that her gift for designing also took a better turn. Because it was then, she truly set her heart to creating outfits that ladies can flaunt about. Mhalesinuo draws inspiration from daily life,  but her biggest influence is unmistakably her mom, even as she recalls how her mother has played an integral role in her life as far as designing is concerned.

She fondly recollects the first design she made of a dress when she was only 10 or 12 years old. “I didn’t know how to stitch but mom sewed it for me”, she expresses, with the memory still fresh in her mind. Interestingly, she never attended any design school but her passion coupled with hard-work and persistence has definitely reaped good results.

A year on after she took up designing more professionally, models wore her creations to walk the ramp at a festival, organized to mark the culmination of the Artefacting’s Global Village 2012 project at Kohima. Artefacting is a New York based, Non Profit organization that consists of artists, photographers, teachers, activists and people who are passionate about social justice with a hope to produce some art works that reflects their personal artistic interests with possibly finding a connection and the influence of their roots, Christianity and western culture.

Simultaneously, she ventured into an online shopping page on facebook under the banner, “Colour Burst” (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colour-Burst/372610202778276?fref=ts)  during April 2012. With inspiration drawn from daily life, by now, she has designed numerous outfits that are suitable for several occasions. Her latest works include that of garments for flower girls and a ring boy. Her clients would best put it individually, but they all echo a similar sentiment when they say, ‘her designs are simple but very classy’. That, she is often complimented for her good colour combination is also noteworthy.

So, does she have a favourite colour? To this, she is quick to say, “I love everything and anything that is colourful.” Efficient also in her work, it takes only about an hour for her to create a work with simple design while the more complicated ones take about a day.

Born to a family of artists, Mhalesinuo also started sketching as a little girl, but that’s not all as the young girl is moreover gifted with a beautiful voice. She began singing at Sunday School, when it eventually progressed to greater platforms and bigger audiences. Only this year in January, she was part of the group singing in the famed, “We Will Rock You” Musicial, directed by Ate Kevichusa, even as they gear up to stage the much complimented musical at Jotsoma from 1-3, December, 2013 coinciding with the Hornbill Festival.

Singing, Designing or Sketching? She professes she would settle for the former two if she were given a choice. But that doesn’t necessarily mean she would forego sketching.

The young lady who did her schooling from Minister’s Higher Secondary School and finished her 12^th from Mezhür Higher Secondary, prior to graduating from Sazolie College, is currently pursuing M.A English from IGNOU. Apart from singing, designing and sketching, Mhalesinuo loves to cook and is often carried away by shoes and accessories.

FILAFI FITHU, Putting her best foot forward

It takes courage to leave one’s comfort zone in pursuit of a dream, especially if it means quitting a so called ‘prestigious job’ by the society’s standard. But Filafi Fithu mindlessly gave away her position of Junior Divisional Accountant in the department of Treasuries and Accounts, which she acquired through the Nagaland Public Service Commission, for a far more fulfilling career.

She has always been a brilliant student but her extraordinary love for footwear absolutely showed when he earned a Gold Medal for doing exceptionally well in her post graduate course in Footwear Designing and Technology, Agra. Soon enough, she was working with a reputed footwear company in Noida, but that was naturally not enough for somebody whose heart has already been set for higher goals.

Notwithstanding the fact that she had a very humble beginning with her early high school education rooted in a small town in Meluri under Phek district, and later on, Patkai Christian College for graduation, she truly exhibited what she was capable of, by taking the road very less travelled.

That, she went on to launch her own designer shoe line under her own name- FILAFI FITHU, manufactured from Italy in a company called ‘Calzaturificio Taboo Line di Romeo Giuseppina,’ Vigevano (near Milan) renowned for its finest leather quality, in one of the posh areas of Delhi in Greater Kailash Main Block Market is an extraordinary feat. With this, she became a household name although it took several months of hard-work, passion, commitment and efforts to get where she stands today.

Currently working hard on their winter collection, while also hoping they can open a few more outlets in the coming year, Filafi Fithu shares her experiences with our readers in a candid conversation with YouthNet Opportunity Express.

YNOX: Your love for shoes, when and how did it happen?

FILAFI FITHU: I always loved shoes as far as I can remember but I guess it developed into some kind of obsession as I grew up because I always had a hard time finding my pair as my feet are extremely small (I am a size 34).

YNOX: How difficult was it to follow your dream, considering that you also quit a prestigious government job (as many people would say) and instead followed your heart?

FILAFI FITHU: If I were to tell you the truth it was not as hard as many would imagine because I have extremely kind parents. When I first told them about my decision they were obviously confused and did not say yes or no. But in the next few days they were already praying for me and my whatever decision. So this is the kind of parents I have for which I am able to do what I am doing right now and I feel so blessed for them. The faith they had in me made me feel so responsible.

YNOX: From growing up in a small town in Meluri to associating yourself with Italy- How does it feel? Did you think you would be here someday?

FILAFI FITHU: When I was a kid growing up in Meluri I thought I would be a doctor just because I used to stand first in the class. Life was such that you could never think of becoming anything apart from the conventional. But I was always a dreamer even then, so I still feel I am still the same old girl and I don’t think Italy or anything else is going to change the person that I essentially am.

YNOX: What was the most challenging thing you did while you were getting there?

FILAFI FITHU: First of all I am not anywhere there yet where I want to reach. I just started and I still have to learn just so much about everything - from the technical to the business part. The most challenging thing I did would be the decision to go ahead with my venture so early on in this career.

YNOX: You must now have an idea how people feel about your venture. What has the response been so far?

FILAFI FITHU: The response have been overwhelming! I think a lot of people, even strangers are so excited and curious about this thing. And it gives me a lot of excitement and pressure both at the same time. I want to thank every of my well wisher.

YNOX: So, what does it take to be there where you are?

FILAFI FITHU: Like I said before I am not anywhere there yet. But yes like any other challenging job it takes a lot of passion, hard-work, focus, self conviction, determination, craziness and ignorance all combined together.

YNOX: You are by any means a role model now, what would you say or advise our young people on pursuing the career of their dreams?

FILAFI FITHU: I am extremely humbled if I am of any inspiration to anyone out there for doing what I love to do. The best advise I can give to the young minds would be to figure out what they really really want to do in life and go for it. Trust me the universe really does conspire to make it happen when you really want it.

YNOX: Enlighten us a bit more on your take on shoes, how you design them, what inspires you to do so, the Italian connection, the leather, the material, anything and everything you feel needs to be told.

FILAFI FITHU: I consider the shoe as the most important accessory which can make or break any look. It depicts an individual’s personality. I take my inspiration from life and my many moods which I find so interesting. Designing and developing a shoe is an arduous and time consuming process. Normally, first of all you put it in a sketch what you have in your mind in accordance to the materials you want to use. Then you have to look for the components that defines the profile of you shoe- the sole, the heel and the platform (if you are using), after which you need to develop your last (foot-shaped forms) accordingly. Then you make a proto of your design on that last and have to make amendments several times before you can get the profile you are looking for. Next step is sampling which again involves several trials. After the final approval production follows. The whole process is like a puzzle and takes a lot of time for all the elements to finally come together.

The Italian connection- “I love their food, their products for which I decided to produce my shoes from there. Also my mentor, Sergio Peviani, is Italian who is again a very good friend of mine, so Italy and me really works!”