Minakshi Kemprai Organises NEWL Conference - An ecosystem for Truly Amazing Northeast Women Leaders

Minakshi Kemprai Organises NEWL Conference - An ecosystem for Truly Amazing Northeast Women Leaders 

From June 11 – 12, 2021, Northeast India experienced the successful first edition of Northeast Women Leaders conference 2021 (virtual). Over 160 participants from Northeast region and other states of India, as well as foreign participants from Thailand, France, and Aruba took part. Northeast Women Leaders is a collaborative platform. It is the first-ever conference in the region with a blended holistic and futuristic approach within the 2 days of the scheduled conference.

The Day 1 witnessed inspiring speeches and success stories of different speakers. The first speaker was Hasina Kharbhih (Founder Impulse NGO Network, Impulse Social Enterprises) followed by Bipasha Hrangkhawl (First Lady Air Traffic Controller), Karishma Kakoti (Founder & Interior Designer – KA Design), Maria Pangambam (Miss Earth India 2020 2nd Runner Up & Femina Miss India Manipur 2020) and last but not least Subi Taba (Civil Servant from Arunachal Pradesh & Author).

Minakshi Kemprai (Founder of NEWL & Hill Panda) shared why she formed Northeast Women Leaders. From her diary where Northeast Women Leaders was just an idea to really making it into reality, she shared her personal story. “When our father was shifted from ICU to the cabin which was at the 5th floor, is where NEWL idea was born. Suddenly on 25th Feb, our father’s health started getting worse, God had some other plan. He left us all exactly a month before my birthday. However, this didn’t stop me from working on this idea,” Minakshi said.

“Only God knows how low I was for months. On 23rd May, I finally decided to make NEWL a reality,” she added. Minakshi Kemprai is of the firm belief that it is not just a conference, but an ecosystem and platform where all amazing women and youth can join hands and unite to make a truly beautiful northeast.

Deso Kemprai (Co-Founder of NEWL & Hill Panda) dedicated the two days conference to all youths and women who are working hard to achieve whatever they want and to those who suffer from mental health issues. “We all go through frustration, pain and self-doubts while pursuing several journeys but trust me, it’s all about our journey which makes the difference. While pursuing several journeys, we people don’t realize that we are not loving and taking care of ourselves. I want to say that though life is competitive, but it’s not about winning. There’s no winner and winning. It’s all about learning and celebrating,” he said.

Deso Kemprai also spoke about his past experiences with depression and bullying, and thanked his late father.

On Day 2, Shri H.M Shangpliang, MLA, Meghalaya, Member of the Women Empowerment Committee in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and a former bureaucrat addressed the conference as the official chief guest. During his speech, he stated, “Minakshi, thank you so much for bringing me here to be part of your conference of the Northeast Women Leaders. During this lockdown, you have thought it so well to bring together all the women of the Northeast to ponder and to think about various issues that are plaguing the women community of the Northeast. In fact, I must thank you and your team for inviting me to be a part of this gathering today. It is a platform for all the women leaders and the entrepreneurs of the north-eastern region to come together and share their views and experiences of their role in their respected fields. I wish all the women in this conclave the very best in their endeavours and in their pursuits for the general well-being of our women in the Northeast,” he said.

“Friends, before I conclude I request this gathering to kindly deliberate on the issues relating to the problems faced by the women of the Northeast, and suggest measures to help solve these intricate problems,” he added.

“I also suggest that a resolution can be taken by this forum and send to all the state government including the members of parliament, the members of the legislative assemblies who are the policymakers of their respective states and the country with a request to help in bringing a change in the life and overall development of the women of the Northeast,” he advised.

There was also a long panel discussion on youth and women of Northeast India with Nirmal Chettri (Indian National Footballer), Santanu Hazarika (Visual Artist), Dr. Humi Thaosen (Professor), and Omi Gurung (Fashion Designer) as the panelists and Deso Kemprai as the moderator. During the panel discussion, they discussed diverse issues about racial discrimination against northeast people, mental health among youths and women, women empowerment, etc.

“I am very thankful to Deso and his team for inviting me and giving me this wonderful opportunity to share my journey & experiences with everyone along with such bright and talented panelists,” Nirmal Chettri said.

The respected guest speaker for the conference was Melanie Pariat (Founder of East End Events & National Level Shooter). In her speech, she said, “It is an honour to be given this platform which clearly speaks about Northeast Women Leaders and I deeply believe that each and every woman is a born leader. Either taking up a role to raising a home or strategizing in an office, each one of us plays an important role in contributing to the society.”

Lastly, she inspired many attendees during the conference with her dedication and love towards her work. “My company East End Events was started by me and my best friend who is now my business partner; this is what we fumbled across. We were young 24-year-old who feel in love like any other girl and like any other experience, that anyone would go through was the experience of heartbreak and failure in a relationship. We shared our stories over the phone. Then all of a sudden, we have this brilliant idea to take our pain and turn it into art. East End Events was born and we made sure that every couple deserve a fairy-tale event. We turned all our energy into a business built on something so beautiful where we're able to preserve our light within us and share it in people's heart,” she said.

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