Shillong, Feb 27: In a strong push toward grassroots entrepreneurship, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC), a constituent college of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has successfully concluded an eight-day Skill Up-gradation Programme on “Barber Training,” equipping 45 young men from across Jaintia Hills with practical grooming skills and business insights.

Held from February 19 to 27 at Wahiajer, the programme stood out for a compelling reason: the resource person was not an external trainer, but a local entrepreneur who has built his own livelihood in the same trade.

A Barber Who Became a Mentor

Mr. Saimonmi Kyndait, who has been running his salon Kynspal Striver in Wahiajer Village for nearly 10 years, led the intensive training sessions. Drawing from nearly a decade of hands-on experience, he trained participants in haircutting techniques, beard styling, grooming standards, hygiene protocols, customer service, and shop management.

His journey from a local barber to a mentor added authenticity and relatability to the programme, sending a clear message to participants — sustainable success is achievable within their own communities.

The training was designed primarily for unemployed youth and interested participants who wished to take up barbering as a profession. It also included young local barbers who had recently started their own businesses and were looking to upgrade their skills.

Skill Development with an Entrepreneurial Focus

Blending traditional barbering tools with modern grooming techniques, the programme emphasized creativity, innovation, and professionalism. Beyond technical skills, participants were encouraged to think like entrepreneurs — understanding customer retention, hygiene standards, branding, and financial planning.

With participants drawn from different parts of Jaintia Hills, the initiative aimed to strengthen local self-employment opportunities and reduce dependence on migration for work.

Institutional Support and Financial Linkages

The valedictory function on February 27 was attended by Jacqueline Nongkhlaw, Director of the PNB Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), as Chief Guest, and Latu Nartiang, Branch Manager of Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB), as Guest of Honour.

In their addresses, they underscored the growing importance of skill-based professions and encouraged trainees to view barbering as a viable entrepreneurial venture. Participants were also informed about avenues for financial assistance through banks to establish or expand their salons.

Dr. F. R. Sumer, Principal I/c of DDUCC, Andriew Sari, Secretary of Wahiajer Village, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Aligning with NEP 2020’s Skill Vision

The initiative forms part of DDUCC’s broader commitment to vocational education and skill development under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes employability and community-based livelihood generation.

Programme Co-ordinator Shri Wolnish Rymbai highlighted that such skill-based initiatives have consistently received positive feedback from the community, particularly among youth seeking practical, income-generating opportunities.

The programme concluded with certificate distribution to all participants — marking not just the end of training, but the beginning of potential new enterprises across Jaintia Hills.

By placing a successful local barber at the heart of the initiative, the programme demonstrated how community-led mentorship can transform traditional trades into pathways for economic independence.

Also Read: HNLC area commander surrenders in Meghalaya; two more arrested for recruitment, IED plot

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub