In the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh, a trailblazing entrepreneur is reshaping the landscape of sustainable living while preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous art and craftsmanship. Meet Ninna Lego, the visionary force behind House of Macnok (HoM), a dynamic startup that celebrates local culture, heritage, and skills through an array of exquisite jewelry, home decor, accessories, and wellness products. Lego’s journey is one of passion, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her community. Hailing from the serene town of Mariyang nestled in the Upper Siang district, Lego brings to her enterprise a unique blend of influences. With a background in civil engineering from Chennai’s Dr. MGR University and an MBA in HR from Rajiv Gandhi University, she embodies the perfect fusion of technical knowledge and compassionate leadership. HoM’s genesis can be traced back to Lego’s childhood, deeply rooted in the Adi community – a community dedicated to social welfare. An early introduction to traditional handloom techniques ignited her interest, leading her to craft intricate earrings that soon gained remarkable popularity among friends and family.  This pivotal moment marked the birth of HoM, driven by Lego’s resolute ambition to uplift rural artisans, women, youth, and farmers across Arunachal Pradesh. Collaborating with numerous women self-help groups, HoM has become a platform for crafting bamboo products, handlooms, crochet dolls, dreamcatchers, and more.  It’s not just about commerce, but about preserving the essence of indigenous craftsmanship. The products reflect the multifaceted diversity of Arunachal, representing various tribes and regions. Through strategic partnerships, HoM empowers these grassroots artisans, primarily women, allowing them to showcase their skills and heritage to the world. In a bid to harmonize innovation with tradition, HoM carefully infuses new designs into timeless art forms. For example, traditional bamboo weaving is rejuvenated with contemporary motifs, breathing new life into classic pieces. The commitment to authenticity ensures that the soul of indigenous practices remains intact. HoM is not merely a commercial venture; it’s a bridge between generations. Master trainers and craftsmen are brought in to mentor and train the younger generation, guaranteeing the continuity of age-old skills. This approach not only safeguards cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to these mentors. Lego’s venture extends to agro-based collaborations with local villagers and agricultural institutions, spotlighting aromatic herbs and spices with health benefits. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the holistic vision of Arunachal’s development. Embracing ethical entrepreneurship, HoM’s revenue-sharing model eliminates intermediaries, resulting in cost-effective products. The endeavor challenges the misconception that sustainability translates to exorbitance, offering wild honey as an example. Where traders sell it for INR 1,500, HoM provides the same quality at INR 450. Ever conscious of environmental impact, Lego introduces upcycled fabrics, crafting dolls and mats, championing waste reduction. Furthermore, HoM is pioneering biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reusable sanitary pads, making hygiene accessible and affordable. Recently crowned the winner of the North East Entrepreneurship Challenge 2023 in the Incubation Category, Lego’s journey is far from over. She envisions HoM as a catalyst for transformative change, with an unwavering commitment to preserving tradition, empowering communities, and redefining sustainable commerce. As she continues to blaze this trail, the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh find in Ninna Lego a visionary leader and an inspirational role model.

In the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh, a trailblazing entrepreneur is reshaping the landscape of sustainable living while preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous art and craftsmanship. Meet Ninna Lego, the visionary force behind House of Macnok (HoM), a dynamic startup that celebrates local culture, heritage, and skills through an array of exquisite jewelry, home decor, accessories, and wellness products. Lego’s journey is one of passion, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her community. Hailing from the serene town of Mariyang nestled in the Upper Siang district, Lego brings to her enterprise a unique blend of influences. With a background in civil engineering from Chennai’s Dr. MGR University and an MBA in HR from Rajiv Gandhi University, she embodies the perfect fusion of technical knowledge and compassionate leadership. HoM’s genesis can be traced back to Lego’s childhood, deeply rooted in the Adi community – a community dedicated to social welfare. An early introduction to traditional handloom techniques ignited her interest, leading her to craft intricate earrings that soon gained remarkable popularity among friends and family.  This pivotal moment marked the birth of HoM, driven by Lego’s resolute ambition to uplift rural artisans, women, youth, and farmers across Arunachal Pradesh. Collaborating with numerous women self-help groups, HoM has become a platform for crafting bamboo products, handlooms, crochet dolls, dreamcatchers, and more.  It’s not just about commerce, but about preserving the essence of indigenous craftsmanship. The products reflect the multifaceted diversity of Arunachal, representing various tribes and regions. Through strategic partnerships, HoM empowers these grassroots artisans, primarily women, allowing them to showcase their skills and heritage to the world. In a bid to harmonize innovation with tradition, HoM carefully infuses new designs into timeless art forms. For example, traditional bamboo weaving is rejuvenated with contemporary motifs, breathing new life into classic pieces. The commitment to authenticity ensures that the soul of indigenous practices remains intact. HoM is not merely a commercial venture; it’s a bridge between generations. Master trainers and craftsmen are brought in to mentor and train the younger generation, guaranteeing the continuity of age-old skills. This approach not only safeguards cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to these mentors. Lego’s venture extends to agro-based collaborations with local villagers and agricultural institutions, spotlighting aromatic herbs and spices with health benefits. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the holistic vision of Arunachal’s development. Embracing ethical entrepreneurship, HoM’s revenue-sharing model eliminates intermediaries, resulting in cost-effective products. The endeavor challenges the misconception that sustainability translates to exorbitance, offering wild honey as an example. Where traders sell it for INR 1,500, HoM provides the same quality at INR 450. Ever conscious of environmental impact, Lego introduces upcycled fabrics, crafting dolls and mats, championing waste reduction. Furthermore, HoM is pioneering biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reusable sanitary pads, making hygiene accessible and affordable. Recently crowned the winner of the North East Entrepreneurship Challenge 2023 in the Incubation Category, Lego’s journey is far from over. She envisions HoM as a catalyst for transformative change, with an unwavering commitment to preserving tradition, empowering communities, and redefining sustainable commerce. As she continues to blaze this trail, the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh find in Ninna Lego a visionary leader and an inspirational role model.

In the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh, a trailblazing entrepreneur is reshaping the landscape of sustainable living while preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous art and craftsmanship. Meet Ninna Lego, the visionary force behind House of Macnok (HoM), a dynamic startup that celebrates local culture, heritage, and skills through an array of exquisite jewelry, home decor, accessories, and wellness products. Lego’s journey is one of passion, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her community. Hailing from the serene town of Mariyang nestled in the Upper Siang district, Lego brings to her enterprise a unique blend of influences. With a background in civil engineering from Chennai’s Dr. MGR University and an MBA in HR from Rajiv Gandhi University, she embodies the perfect fusion of technical knowledge and compassionate leadership. HoM’s genesis can be traced back to Lego’s childhood, deeply rooted in the Adi community – a community dedicated to social welfare. An early introduction to traditional handloom techniques ignited her interest, leading her to craft intricate earrings that soon gained remarkable popularity among friends and family.  This pivotal moment marked the birth of HoM, driven by Lego’s resolute ambition to uplift rural artisans, women, youth, and farmers across Arunachal Pradesh. Collaborating with numerous women self-help groups, HoM has become a platform for crafting bamboo products, handlooms, crochet dolls, dreamcatchers, and more.  It’s not just about commerce, but about preserving the essence of indigenous craftsmanship. The products reflect the multifaceted diversity of Arunachal, representing various tribes and regions. Through strategic partnerships, HoM empowers these grassroots artisans, primarily women, allowing them to showcase their skills and heritage to the world. In a bid to harmonize innovation with tradition, HoM carefully infuses new designs into timeless art forms. For example, traditional bamboo weaving is rejuvenated with contemporary motifs, breathing new life into classic pieces. The commitment to authenticity ensures that the soul of indigenous practices remains intact. HoM is not merely a commercial venture; it’s a bridge between generations. Master trainers and craftsmen are brought in to mentor and train the younger generation, guaranteeing the continuity of age-old skills. This approach not only safeguards cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to these mentors. Lego’s venture extends to agro-based collaborations with local villagers and agricultural institutions, spotlighting aromatic herbs and spices with health benefits. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the holistic vision of Arunachal’s development. Embracing ethical entrepreneurship, HoM’s revenue-sharing model eliminates intermediaries, resulting in cost-effective products. The endeavor challenges the misconception that sustainability translates to exorbitance, offering wild honey as an example. Where traders sell it for INR 1,500, HoM provides the same quality at INR 450. Ever conscious of environmental impact, Lego introduces upcycled fabrics, crafting dolls and mats, championing waste reduction. Furthermore, HoM is pioneering biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reusable sanitary pads, making hygiene accessible and affordable. Recently crowned the winner of the North East Entrepreneurship Challenge 2023 in the Incubation Category, Lego’s journey is far from over. She envisions HoM as a catalyst for transformative change, with an unwavering commitment to preserving tradition, empowering communities, and redefining sustainable commerce. As she continues to blaze this trail, the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh find in Ninna Lego a visionary leader and an inspirational role model.

In a remarkable display of women empowerment, Hajira, a mother of four children, has captured the attention of her community by successfully running the first-ever mushroom unit in the Sempora area of Zaingeer, located in the northern region of Kashmir. Her inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for countless youth, especially girls, who aspire to break free from societal norms and find independence beyond the boundaries of traditional roles. Hajira seized the opportunity to venture into the mushroom business when she learned about it during a bus ride. Without wasting any time, she took a proactive approach and sought guidance from the relevant authorities who wholeheartedly supported her in establishing the unit in her village. Reflecting on her journey, Hajira acknowledges the challenges she faced initially but emphasizes that perseverance and determination ultimately yielded positive results. Today, her remarkable achievements have not only brought pride to her family but have also become a source of inspiration for the entire village. "I am filled with great satisfaction by the success of this initiative," Hajira said. Currently, her mushroom unit produces and sells approximately 3 to 5 kilograms of mushrooms daily, with the demand steadily increasing. Notably, the mushroom business requires minimal investment and promises a sustainable livelihood with significant profit margins. Beyond her personal triumph, Hajira's mushroom unit has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among girls in the region, who are now increasingly considering similar entrepreneurial endeavours. The positive impact on the village is palpable, as the youth finds renewed hope and empowerment through Hajira's trailblazing example. Expressing her gratitude, Hajira extends heartfelt thanks to the authorities who provided unwavering support, enabling her dream to come to fruition. In a message directed particularly at young girls, she advises them not to squander their precious time in pursuit of elusive jobs or traditional business opportunities. Instead, Hajira firmly believes that the mushroom industry holds immense potential to establish a prosperous and fulfilling life. To those interested in this sector, Hajira encourages them to approach the horticulture department, which not only offers assistance but also extends on-ground support. Her conviction stems from personal experience and the transformation she has witnessed firsthand, making her a living testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. Hajira's story echoes far beyond the confines of Zaingeer, serving as a powerful reminder that women are breaking stereotypes and reshaping their destinies. Her entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable achievements exemplify the indomitable strength of women in the face of adversity, illuminating a path toward a more inclusive and empowered future. As news of Hajira's accomplishments spreads, it is anticipated that more women in the region will be inspired to explore their own entrepreneurial journeys. By challenging traditional gender roles and pursuing economic independence, these women are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the community. Hajira's success is a testament to the potential for women to thrive in non-traditional sectors. Her story is a reminder that with determination, perseverance, and the support of the community and government, barriers can be overcome, and women can create successful and fulfilling livelihoods. The government, recognizing the significance of women's empowerment and economic inclusion, has expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives like Hajira's mushroom unit. They acknowledge the transformative power of women entrepreneurs and are dedicated to creating an enabling environment for their success. "Hajira's success in the mushroom industry is a testament to the power of women's economic empowerment. When women are given equal opportunities and support, they can transform communities, drive economic growth, and shatter glass ceilings," said an official. Women like Hajira are beacons of hope, proving that gender should never be a limitation to achieving greatness. Her accomplishments send a powerful message to all women that their dreams and aspirations are within reach, and they have the power to shape their own destinies," he said. "Women empowerment is not just about individual success; it is about transforming societies. Hajira's achievements are a reminder that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Let her story inspire us to create a more equitable and inclusive world for all," he added.

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari today (Monday) highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her dynamic leadership, eulogizing “You are a much inspiring leader in the world.” “I am your admirer,” she said when Bangladesh premier paid a courtesy call- on her at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital this afternoon. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the newsmen after the meeting. The Nepalese President said that Bangladesh has made remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On women empowerment, Bidya Devi Bhandari said that Bangladesh can be a role model for women’s participation in national development tasks. Regarding cooperation, she said, “We want meaningful cooperation.” The Nepalese President thanked the Bangladesh premier as they got prompt support from Bangladesh while they needed fertilizer. She thanked the Bangladesh premier for offering Nepal to use Bangladesh’s port facilities and the Syedpur Airport. The Nepalese president stressed the need for enhancing connectivity among the BIMSTEC member-states. Mentioning that both the countries face adverse impact of the natural disasters, she said that both the countries could ensure maximum use of their respective resources to face the calamities. The Nepalese President handed over two books– ‘Unfinished Memoirs ’ and ‘Karagarer Rojnamcha’of Bangabandhu translated into Nepali language to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed the Nepalese President’s visit to Bangladesh to join the celebrations of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence. The premier also greeted Bidya Devi Bhandari as her country extended supports including supplying of arms to freedom fighters of Bangladesh during the War of Liberation. She described Nepal as a vulnerable country to climate change. The premier offered Nepal to use Chattagram and Mongla ports and the Syedpur International Airport. In this connection, she said, “We are developing the Syedpur Airport as a regional airport.” The Prime Minister emphasised on mutual cooperation in the fields of trade and commerce and signing of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) between the two countries. “It will be beneficial for both the countries if the PTA is signed,” she opined. She also advocated for strengthening connectivity among the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) member states as it will boost trade and commerce in the region. The Prime Minister said that a hydroelectric power plant could be set up using the water resources of Nepal with joint cooperation of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, Health Minister Zahid Maleque, Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and PMO Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present at the meeting. Nepalese President’s daughter Usha Kiran Bhandari, Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and Nepal Academy Chancellor Ganga Praad Uprety were also present. Source: BSS AH