Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts

Dimapur, Dec 17 : Youth in Nagaland see fashion as a popular career opportunity. Many of them aspire to become models, make up artists, fashion designers or beauty saloon owners.

There was no dedicated institute for fashion related vocational courses in Nagaland before the establishment of the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NEIAPA).

Located in Dimapur, the fashion academy, offers short-term courses in make-up, spa, beauty techniques and modelling.

It works at sharpening the skills of the youth who intend to enter into fashion industry by providing them required training.

"The government is doing its best. They are helping us and we are getting students from all districts of Nagaland. The government is paying for those who cannot afford the costs. They are doing their best. By 2015, I am sure that this industry will be one of the biggest industries in Nagaland and I can see lots of potential in them," said Akuonuo, Director, NEIAPA.

The academy was inaugurated this year on April 15.he first batch of 25 students who passed out recently have been recruited in several top fashion companies, spa and saloons.he academy has collaborated with many companies who provide trained professionals as guest lecturers.

They have organized many fashion shows, events, and seminars to showcase the skills of the students to a wider audience.

These models and trainees have requested the government to provide them with wider exposure.

"I think, everyone knows that they haven't yet got a lot of exposure and, at the same time, they haven't got lot of opportunities to show what talent they have. I really see a lot of potential if you teach them right," said Garima Parnami, Executive Director, NEIAPA.