‘Namma Santhe’ gives opportunities for local vendors to market their products: Dr Giridhar Kini

Team Udayavani, Feb 11, 2023, 5:40 PM IST

MAHE Registrar Dr. Giridhar Kini on Saturday said that there should be schemes to help the local vendors market their products which will in turn boost the economic system.

He was speaking at the two-day “Namma Santhe” event, which was held on Saturday at the MIC campus by Udayavani in collaboration with the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC).

Kini said, “This is a one-of-a-kind social program in collaboration with Udayavani. It is admirable that students are gaining valuable experience in managing and arranging such social initiatives in addition to academics. The current need is to empower the local economy by creating such a big size market for small entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.”

Vinod Kumar, CEO & Managing Director of Manipal Media Network Ltd said, “`Namma Santhe” was organized to create a structured market for small, medium, and cottage industries, as well as to create demand for local products. Our objective is to respect the people’s skills and to help the local economy by enabling the sale of handicrafts and small household items. Namma Santhe has grown as a huge local market, bringing together small vendors of desi handicrafts and culinary products. The people of Udupi-Manipal must help the local economy by visiting Namma Santhe.”

“While India is at the forefront of the global financial system, the impact of Covid caused significant economic losses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Vocal for Local’ had a significant impact in reviving the local economy. People should buy more locally produced goods,” he added.

MAHE’s MUTBI MGM, Dr Santhosh Rao said, “The local market should be strengthened so that small and medium-sized businesses can grow. “Vocal for Local” emerged as a major driving force at a time when there was no strong market for local products. Individuals are still unaware of various central government startup initiatives. MSME and MUDRA initiatives appear to be promising for small and medium industries. The Digital India project is a large platform for selling and promoting local goods.”

MIC Director Dr Padmarani, Corporate Communication HOD Dr Padmakumar were present.

Namma Sante specialty: 

*A two-day festival will be held on the MIC campus, featuring handicrafts, earthen products, other ornamental items and khadi garments.

*Exhibition and sale of Channapattana Gombe, Ilakal Sarees, Kanchipuram, Paithani, Maheshwari, Pure Silk, Craft, Greetings, Hand Made Bags, Cotton Handloom Sarees. 

*Exhibition and sale of products made by students including wall clocks, t-shirts, glasses, organic products made using cow dung and urine.