Udupi: MIM’s Gramotsav Brings Back Focus on Rural Artisans

News & Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (VA)

Udupi, Mar 27:  Manipal Institute of Management (MIM) has organized a rural trade fair, ‘Gramotsav’ at Ravindra Mantap, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, here on Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28.

The trade fair is organized in association with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).  This is an initiation taken by the institute to facilitate the rural artisans and entrepreneurs with a platform to market their products to the urban market.

Pramod Madhawraj, managing director of Coronet Fish Products inaugurated the fair. In his remarks, he pointed out at the poor state of affairs in infrastructure and marketing of rural products.

Vatsa Kumar, manager of SIDBI - Mangalore branch, spoke about the role of Small Industries Development Bank of India. He called for integration of knowledge and financial resources in order to provide encouragement to rural artisans and entrepreneurs.

Dr Pushpa Kini, the director of Students Affairs lauded the initiation taken by Manipal Institute of Management for having provided a platform to the rural entrepreneurs. She urged the rural artisans to remain enthusiastic in their marketing endeavor.

Dr K V M Varambally, director of Manipal Institute of Management, delivered the welcome address. Smitha Nayak, co-ordinator of the event presented a brief overview of Gramotsav. Ravindra Rao, co-ordinator of the event proposed vote of thanks.

Rural artisans and entrepreneurs from the districts of South Canara, Udupi, North Canara and Chitradurga are taking part in the rural trade fair. There are 24 stalls in all and a wide variety of products such as wooden toys, dress material, hand bags, saris, lavancha products, homemade products and food products are displayed.