Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 6: The 17th edition of ‘Namma Angadi,’ a three day annual expo cum sale was inaugurated by H S Ballal, pro-chancellor MAHE at Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) on Friday, March 6.
“Namma Angadi encourages rural artisans. This event conducted by MIC and Namma Bhoomi will go a long way. Today, 70% of the people live in rural areas but only 20% get access to health and education. The rural artisans need to come into mainstream. Hence, there is a need to provide a platform for their products,” Ballal said in his inaugural address.
Quoting the words of former Indian president Dr Abdul Kalam, he said, “I dream India should become a developed country by the year 2020. For that, there is need to bring village artisans, rural people into the mainstream. If this happens, then definitely our country will be developed.”
“Every person should have a vision. According to the vision of Madhav Pai, MAHE is exploring its service. KMC is the one among the best medical colleges in the country. Today, our health indexes such as Maternal Mortality Rate, Infant Mortality Rate are very low, when compared to western countries. Manipal, MAHE is one of the reputed academies in the country and at the international level. It has got Institute of Eminence (IoE) recognition. MAHE stands first among 20 other universities,” said Ballal.
Shivanand Shetty, coordinator of Namma Bhoomi said, “Today, technology and opportunities are reaching villages. Agriculture and Cottage industry are interdependent. From last few decades, we have given –up farming and agri-related works because there are lot of challenges in agriculture. However, without agriculture, there will be no cottage industry. Today, we are providing importance to mechanized agriculture. Thus, hundreds of small scale industries are about to be ruined. Because, artisans do not get enough materials, the Cottage industries are also affected.”
"However, our initiative is receiving a good response not just from residents of Udupi but also from people of other countries. As many as 600 varieties of things are exhibited in this expo. Every year the customers are increasing,” he said.
New products including small handcrafted furniture pieces, trendy clothing and accessories, food items are sold at the event this year.
Every year, an array of products including hand-woven garments, handicrafts, pottery, toys, accessories, home decor, organic produce are displayed and sold. Various cultural programmes also take place during the three days making it truly a celebration of local art and craft. Visitors from Manipal-Udupi and Mangaluru areas fill the crowd, besides students and faculty of MAHE. On an average, around 3,000 people visit the three day event every year.
Bamboo products like lead pencils, show lamps, trendy sarees, wooden easy chairs, Kalamkari dress materials are the main attraction.
Yakshagana puppetry, by Shri Ganesh Yakshagana Gombeyata Mandali, Kundapura will be performed on March 8 at 6 pm. Yakshagana puppetry is a 350 year old art form native to Udupi. Further, an exclusive play area for kids has been arranged this year so that parents can have a carefree experience at the event.
Namma Angadi is an annual exhibition cum sale at Manipal institute of Communication, MAHE, where rural artisans from Namma Bhoomi, Kundapura are given a platform to sell their craft and produce to the community. The event is a collaboration between the Concerned for Working Children (CWC) and Manipal Institute of Communication, and the proceeds of the sale go to the education of the children of artisans at Namma Bhoomi.
Padmarani, director, Manipal institute of Communication MAHE, Padma Kumar, HOD were present.
Daijiworld.com and Daijiworld 247 channel is the media partners for the three-day event.