Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 21: Street vendors may not possess the refined business acumen of large-scale entrepreneurs, but through daily experience, they have honed their skills and achieved success in their trade. They contribute significantly to the city’s development, said retired professor Dr Rita Noronha.

She was speaking at the district-level convention organized by the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Welfare Association at Kudmul Rangarao Town Hall, Mangaluru, on Tuesday, as part of the observance of Street Vendors’ Day.

“Everyone has the right to live with dignity. Through their organized efforts, street vendors have secured favorable laws and regulations to protect their interests. These must be implemented effectively for their benefit,” she added.

Dr Noronha encouraged the association to support street vendors in growing their businesses and to focus on providing education to their children for a brighter future.

“We are inspired by social achievers like Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, who is with us today, and by activists like S P Anand, who built a strong movement for Dalit rights. Inviting such stalwarts to this event is commendable,” she said.

Harish Poojary, general secretary of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Welfare Association, presided over the event.

Senior street vendors Sridhar Bhandary, Adam Bajal, and Mary D’Souza were felicitated during the program.

Padma Shri awardee and social worker Harekala Hajabba, Mangaluru mayor Manoj Kumar, legal advisor M B Nadap from Gadag, urban campaign manager N Chittaranjan, and Dalit Sangharsha Samiti district convener S P Anand were present as chief guests and conveyed their best wishes.

The association's president Muhammad Mustafa and treasurer Asif Bawa were also present. The event was compered by Chetan Pilikula.