Introduction
In the vibrant but often overlooked landscape of Northeast India, stories of resilience and leadership shine through individuals who defy convention. One such trailblazer is Hekani Jakhalu, a lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur from Nagaland, and the founder of YouthNet—a non-profit organization that is transforming the future of young people in the region. With a fierce commitment to empowerment and development, Hekani’s journey reflects the power of grassroots innovation, community leadership, and a vision for inclusive progress.
This blog delves into the remarkable life and work of Hekani Jakhalu, exploring how she has become a symbol of hope and change for the youth of Nagaland.
Early Life and Education
Hekani Jakhalu hails from Dimapur, Nagaland, a region known for its diverse tribal communities and rich cultural heritage. Despite growing up in an area with limited infrastructure and opportunities, she was determined to pursue higher education and create a meaningful impact.
She completed her schooling in Nagaland and later moved to New Delhi to pursue her undergraduate studies. Hekani went on to study law at Delhi University and then earned her Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) from the prestigious University of San Francisco, USA. Her academic background gave her exposure to global perspectives and human rights issues, which deeply influenced her desire to bring about social change.
A Legal Career That Sparked a Passion for Change
Hekani began her professional career as a lawyer with the Supreme Court of India. While practicing law, she encountered many cases that highlighted the social injustices faced by marginalized communities, especially in Northeast India. During this period, she began to reflect more deeply on the structural issues affecting youth in her home state.
Her work made her realize a harsh truth: many educated youth from Nagaland were migrating to bigger cities in search of opportunities, often facing alienation and discrimination. This brain drain not only deprived the state of young talent but also fractured the social fabric of its communities.
Rather than continue on a conventional path in law, Hekani made a bold decision—to return to Nagaland and work directly with young people to help them thrive at home.
The Birth of YouthNet: Vision and Foundation
In 2006, Hekani founded YouthNet, a non-profit organization based in Nagaland, with the mission to empower youth through entrepreneurship, skill development, and employment opportunities. What started as a small initiative has now evolved into one of the most influential youth-focused organizations in Northeast India.
YouthNet’s founding philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Empowering youth, transforming society.” The organization was created to bridge the gap between education and employment and to enable young people in the region to unlock their full potential without having to leave their communities.
YouthNet’s Programs and Impact
Over the years, YouthNet has launched numerous programs aimed at addressing the core challenges faced by youth in Nagaland and beyond. Some of the key initiatives include:
1. The YouthNet Incubation Centre
A hub for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Incubation Centre provides mentorship, training, funding access, and networking opportunities. It helps youth develop business ideas and take them from concept to execution.
2. Made in Nagaland Centre
This initiative promotes local artisans and entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to market and sell their products. It not only supports indigenous craftsmanship but also fosters pride in local identity.
3. Nagaland Job Centre
YouthNet set up the Nagaland Job Centre to address the high unemployment rates in the state. It connects job seekers with employers and provides career counseling, skill-building workshops, and interview preparation support.
4. Capacity Building and Soft Skills Training
Through workshops and programs, YouthNet enhances the employability of young people by focusing on communication skills, digital literacy, leadership, and professionalism.
5. Entrepreneurship Development Programs
YouthNet runs business plan competitions, mentoring schemes, and collaboration events with stakeholders to create an ecosystem that nurtures startups and local enterprises.
A Role Model for Women and Youth
Hekani Jakhalu stands out not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a woman breaking stereotypes in a patriarchal society. In a state and region where women’s voices have often been sidelined, her leadership is both revolutionary and inspiring.
She believes in inclusive growth, and many of YouthNet’s initiatives are tailored specifically to uplift young women. Under her leadership, the organization has worked tirelessly to improve gender parity in employment, entrepreneurship, and community decision-making.
Recognition and Awards
Hekani’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. She has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her contribution to social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. These include:
- Nari Shakti Puraskar (2018) – Conferred by the President of India, this is the highest civilian honor for women in India, awarded to her for her outstanding work in uplifting the youth.
- Governor’s Commendation Certificate (Nagaland) – For her continued contribution to social development in the state.
- Numerous invitations to speak at national and international forums, including TEDx and various youth summits.
Her journey is now cited as a case study in social innovation, especially in India’s northeastern states.
YouthNet During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hekani Jakhalu and her team at YouthNet played a crucial role in supporting communities in Nagaland. They coordinated relief efforts, distributed supplies, and continued offering digital training sessions to keep youth engaged and productive during lockdowns.
YouthNet also launched virtual job fairs and remote skill-building workshops, showing adaptability and resilience in times of crisis. Their ability to pivot quickly ensured that young people continued to receive guidance and support when it was most needed.
Hekani Jakhalu: The Politician
In a significant development in her journey, Hekani Jakhalu entered politics in 2023 and became the first woman MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from Nagaland, representing the Dimapur III constituency as a candidate of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Her entry into politics marked a new chapter, symbolizing a shift in Naga society where more women are stepping into leadership roles. As an MLA, she continues to champion the causes of youth, women, and entrepreneurship, blending policy-making with grassroots experience.
Her dual role—as a social entrepreneur and public servant—has given her a powerful platform to influence change on a broader scale.
Challenges Faced and Overcome
Like any changemaker, Hekani’s journey has not been without hurdles. From skepticism about a woman leading a youth movement to the financial and logistical challenges of setting up a nonprofit in a remote region, she has faced numerous obstacles.
However, her persistence, clarity of vision, and unwavering commitment have helped her overcome these challenges. Her ability to build trust within communities and collaborate with both government and private stakeholders has been key to YouthNet’s sustainability and impact.
Legacy and Future Goals
Hekani Jakhalu is laying the groundwork for a legacy that will shape Nagaland for generations to come. Her vision goes beyond just job creation—it includes creating a culture of self-reliance, innovation, and pride in one’s roots.
In the future, she aims to expand YouthNet’s reach across Northeast India, building a network of empowered youth who are confident, skilled, and ready to lead.
She also advocates for better policies in education, employment, and digital access—areas that are crucial for the progress of rural and tribal communities.
Conclusion
Hekani Jakhalu represents a new generation of leaders who are deeply rooted in their culture yet globally aware and action-driven. Her work through YouthNet has changed thousands of lives by giving young people the tools and confidence to dream big and stay grounded.
As the first woman MLA from Nagaland and a tireless advocate for youth empowerment, Hekani continues to challenge the status quo. Her story is a powerful reminder that change is possible when one combines passion with purpose—and that sometimes, all it takes is one person to ignite a movement.
Whether as a lawyer, entrepreneur, or policymaker, Hekani Jakhalu’s contributions are shaping a better, more inclusive future for Nagaland and Northeast India.
