Pics: Aditya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 15: The third edition of Namma Sante, a three-day event, was inaugurated on Friday, February 14 at KMC Greens in Udupi and will continue until Sunday, February 16.

Organised by the second-year Master’s students of the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), the event aims to provide a platform for local artisans, vendors, and performers from the Udupi-Mangaluru region. The vision behind Namma Sante is to uplift and support grassroots-level businesses, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience.

The event features over 150 vendors, including 120 stalls in the shamiyana area and additional food and entertainment stalls. Visitors can explore a diverse range of handmade crafts, sustainable brands, delicious food, and cultural performances. With free entry, Namma Sante provides an inclusive space for visitors to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Namma Sante is a platform to bring together local artisans, small businesses, and talented performers, giving them the space they deserve to showcase their work. Namma Sante includes stalls from handmade crafts and sustainable brands to delicious food and cultural performances. Namma Sante is where creativity meets community.

The first day of the event recorded a footfall of more than 4,000 people, and organisers expect even larger crowds over the weekend.

Lieutenant General (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retired), vice chancellor of MAHE Manipal, inaugurated Namma Sante on February 14 by symbolically lighting the lamp at KMC Greens.
Speaking to Daijiworld.com, he said, “This is the third year the Manipal Institute of Communication is hosting this event to support local artisans, small businesses, and artists, giving them a platform to showcase their products. While Sante takes place every week, this event is held once a year. I hope it continues to grow.”

Anupama Hattiholi, project head of Namma Sante’s third edition, stated, “This event is primarily organised to support vendors, with a focus on uplifting locally sourced vendors. While the programme serves as an assignment for MAMC second-year students, it is an MIC event. The first two editions were held on the college campus, but this year, we’ve expanded it to KMC Greens. Namma Sante attracts two types of crowds—students and local residents.”

Debasmitha Guha, project head, remarked, “The first two editions of Namma Sante were held on the campus, but this year we’ve moved it to KMC Greens. The event has grown significantly, and we expect it to become even bigger and better next year. Managing an event of this scale has been a challenge, but I’m happy to say that the third edition of Namma Sante has been a great success. This is a student-organised event, with final-year master’s students taking the lead, supported by first-year bachelor’s and master’s students.”

A visitor commented, “The number of stalls has increased compared to last year. By shopping at Namma Sante, we’re supporting local vendors. I’m happy to be here and congratulate MIC for organising this event.”

Manu, another visitor, shared, “Namma Sante offers a great variety of food stalls, decorative items, clothing, and more. It’s really fun to visit.”

Students, Anupama Hattiholi welcomed the gathering during the inaugural event, Debasmitha Guha delivered the vote of thanks, and Architha Shivare compered the event.

The inaugural event was attended by chief operating officer (Operations) MAHE Manipal Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, director MIC Dr Padmarani, professor and head of PG programmes Dr Padmakumar K, and assistant professor Anil Raj K V.