BusinessK

In the lush landscapes of Manipur, where tradition and modernity often collide, one man is quietly revolutionising the way people think, work, and live. Mr. Dina Oinam, a multifaceted individual with a deep love for his state and its people, is on a mission to change the habits and culture of the Manipuri/Meitei community. His journey is not just about financial success but about empowering individuals through wisdom, knowledge, and the right mindset. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.

The Problem: A Culture of Misplaced Values

In Manipur, as in many parts of the world, there is a pervasive belief that wealth is synonymous with money. People often equate financial success with material riches, overlooking the true wealth that comes from wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to think critically. This mindset has led many to chase quick money, often at the expense of long-term sustainability and self-actualisation. Mr. Dina, however, believes that by changing the way people think, they can change their financial status and, ultimately, their lives.

The Vision: Empowering Through Knowledge and Farming

Mr. Dina’s vision is to develop people who are living at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid. He is not just talking about financial empowerment but also about changing the way people perceive themselves and their potential. He is cultivating traditional crops like loklei (ginger lily), yenam (Garlic chives), and yendem (Indo-Malay taro) and teaching people how to farm on rooftops and in small kitchen gardens. His approach is practical and inclusive, demonstrating that even with limited resources, one can earn a sustainable income through farming.

The Journey: From Village School to Vermicompost Pioneer

Mr. Dina’s journey is as inspiring as his vision. He started his education in a village school, later moving to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and then to Delhi University, where he excelled academically. He was deeply passionate about music and actively participated in local concerts, even contributing to the music direction of TV serials. After returning to Manipur due to health issues, he ventured into the Manipuri film industry, where he found success and made a name for himself. However, after observing the current situation and environment of Manipur—where opportunities were limited and socio-economic disparities were stark—he made a conscious decision to shift his focus and redirect his vision toward a new path. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would lead him to explore innovative ways to empower his community and create sustainable change.

His life took a transformative turn when he was introduced to vermicomposting in 2015. After learning the primitive and conventional methods from an expert, he developed his own innovative technique that allowed people to start a vermicomposting business with minimal investment—as little as ₹1000. This ground-breaking method not only reduced costs but also made the process more efficient and less labour-intensive. His venture, Oinam Organic Solutions, has since grown into a thriving enterprise, with demand for his high-quality vermicompost products far exceeding supply.

However, Mr. Dina’s mission and vision extend far beyond vermicomposting. He is on a larger quest to convert waste into wealth across every possible field. In Manipur, there is a prevailing perception among the people that we have limited resources, but he is determined to shatter this myth. He believes that the problem lies not in the scarcity of resources but in our inability to recognise and utilise them effectively. The soil of Manipur is incredibly fertile, and the land is abundant with potential. Yet, much of this potential goes untapped—fruits and crops often spoil without being processed or utilised properly. Mr. Dina envisions a future where these "wastes" are transformed into valuable products, generating significant income for the people.

His ultimate vision is to create value by awakening people to the realisation that abundant resources surround us. He wants to empower them with the knowledge and skills to harness these resources effectively, turning what is often overlooked or discarded into wealth. Through his work, he is not just promoting sustainable farming or waste management; he is fostering a mindset shift—a realisation that wealth lies not in external riches but in the wisdom to recognise and utilise the resources we already have. His mission is to inspire Manipuris to see their land, their skills, and their potential in a new light, transforming their lives and their communities in the process.

The Turning Point: Lessons from the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was a period of profound reflection and transformation for Mr. Dina. During this time, he realised that the size of the land is not what matters in farming; it’s the quality of the produce. He experimented with large-scale farming on 7-8 acres of land but faced financial losses. However, these setbacks taught him valuable lessons. He discovered that even a small kitchen garden could be a source of substantial income if managed correctly.

The pandemic also highlighted the socio-economic disparities in Manipur. Mr. Dina and his team organised relief efforts, delivering vegetables from local farmers and essential goods like rice, oil, and salt to those in need. This experience revealed a harsh reality: much of the business in Manipur is controlled by outsiders, with locals often relegated to the role of labourers. This realisation further fueled his determination to empower his community.

The Mission: Creating Entrepreneurs, Not Laborers

Mr. Dina’s primary mission is to help people achieve self-actualisation. He believes that true empowerment comes from becoming owners, not just labourers. Through hands-on training in horticulture and food processing, he is equipping people with the skills they need to start their own businesses. But his support doesn’t end with training. He maintains ongoing relationships with his trainees, providing follow-up support to ensure their success.

His goal is to create 100 entrepreneurs who will, in turn, inspire others, creating a chain reaction of empowerment and economic growth. He is also working on branding his vermicompost products, aiming to make them the cheapest and highest quality available in the market. His firm, Oinam Organic Solutions, is already making waves, with word-of-mouth driving demand.

The Philosophy: Self-Knowledge and Moral Values

At the core of Mr. Dina’s work is the belief that self-knowledge is the key to success. He emphasises the importance of understanding one’s own potential and resources. Through his training programs, he not only teaches practical skills but also instills moral values. He encourages people to create value, identify their resources, and take ownership of their lives.

The Future: A Legacy of Empowerment

Mr. Dina’s work is far from over. He is continuously innovating, developing machines to mechanise the vermicomposting process and exploring new ways to make farming more accessible and profitable. His love for Manipur and its people drives him to keep pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

In a world where quick money often overshadows sustainable growth, Mr. Dina Oinam stands as a beacon of hope. His story is a testament to the power of wisdom, knowledge, and the right mindset. Through his relentless efforts, he is not just changing the financial status of individuals but also transforming the culture and habits of an entire community. His legacy will be one of empowerment, self-actualisation, and a brighter future for Manipur.