Rice-grain artisan generates job opportunities for youth

The youth in Assam are driven by a desire to become financially independent and make it big in life.

33-year-old Abhinav Hazarika is an artisan and a successful entrepreneur from Teok in Jorhat District. After graduation, he tried to get a government job but was unsuccessful. Later, he started his own business venture by making ornaments out of rice grain, various decorative items, dolls, flowers, jute and bamboo items. After years of hard work, his business is doing well and generating good money.

In 2012, Hazarika opened his own store called 'Panchajanya Kutir Udyog', where he also teaches the art to local youth.

"Most of the educated youth are running after government jobs. They are wasting their time as they are doing nothing for their livelihood. That's why my sole purpose is to impart training to them. I've trained many such youth and they are now leading a good life", Hazarika said.

"This shop is different from the other shops, the products are unique. Whatever products you get here are hand-made with a lot of hard work. Their craftsmanship is unique in the country. These products are beautiful", Rajesh Tihani, a customer said.

Hazarika has trained many uneducated women, housewives and unemployed youth in his village. Presently, he has 20 employees working under him.

22-year-old Porishmita Pasoni, who failed to continue her higher studies due to financial constraints, has joined him.

"I have been working here for six months. I get around Rs. 2,000 per month, which I use to buy medicines for my mother and fulfill my own requirement," Pasoni said.

The achievements of young entrepreneurs like Hazarika will inspire many educated unemployed youth in the region to explore new innovative ideas and become self-reliant.