Udupi: ‘Namma Angadi’, Trade Fair of Rural Artisans, Inaugurated

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 21: ‘Namma Angadi’, a three –day trade fair, where exhibition and sale of various products made by rural-based entrepreneurs is being conducted, went under way at the hall of board high school here on Friday October 21 morning.

Handicraft, handloom, and eco-friendly goods are on display at the fair. The fair is open from 10 am to 9 pm on all the days. ‘Namma Angadi’ is a collective marketing initiative network that strives to enable rural artisans to market their products by providing facilities all over Karnataka.

The event was inaugurated by Gokuldas Nayak, municipal commissioner of the local municipal council. In his inaugural address, Nayak noted that since the last some years, China-made goods have flooded Indian markets. Noting that these goods are cheap but involve high cost of maintenance, he stressed the need to provide impetus for indigenously made goods and to encourage people from rural areas, duly noting that this will pave way for the economic progress of the villagers. He said there is an urgent need to wholeheartedly support rural artisans to ensure that the rural-based art does not become extinct with the passage of time.

Sadhana Kini, social entrepreneur and president of Power Club Manipal, was the chief guest. In her address, Sadhana Kini strongly advocated winning over global presence and recognition for the products made by rural-based entrepreneurs, and felt that there was case to expand their presence on a much larger scale. She said that exhibitions like thee provide a platform for the rural artisans to exhibit and sell their products in urban centres. Shivanand, assistant director of ‘Namma Bhoomi’ Kundapur, was present. He noted that ‘Namma Angadi’ has provided the rural artisans an opportunity to display their wares and market them to urban populace.

Laxmi Shenoy, volunteer of ‘Namma Bhoomi’, proposed vote of thanks. Wilma Serrao compered the programme.

Various items made of lavancha, cotton garments, terracotta, home accessories, traditional footwear, ethnic jewellery, pure wild honey, organic food products, soaps, items used for Diwali, and various other products are being offered for sale at this event.

‘Namma Bhoomi’, an NGO aimed at providing alternative employment to agriculturists who are wholly dependent on farming, has organized this programme. As part of the cultural programmes, a Yakshagana episode, ‘Uttarana Pourusha’ is being enacted by Yakshagana Kendra Udupi at the above venue at 6 pm on Friday October 21. At 7 pm on Saturday, Mahamayi Yakshagana Mahila Mandali Suratkal will present a folklore based on mythology. At 10 am on Sunday, drawing competition in two categories, i.e. for children below ten years of age, and special children, will be conducted.

Daijiworld is the media sponsor for the event.