Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 14: 'Namma Angadi', a three-day exhibition-cum-sale of rural handicraft items and products, organized by School of Communication, Manipal, was inaugurated at the College campus on Friday, March 13.
The event was inaugurated by chief guest of the programme, Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of Manipal University.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ballal said "Today's children are tomorrow’s future. We need to take care of them by providing them good education. Nearly 55% of the India’s population belongs to the 25 years of age group. Children are the dream of our country. Namma Bhumi cultivates self-reliance. The three factors of Illiteracy, ill health and poverty hinder the development of nation. Namma Bhumi helps school dropouts and works for the welfare of poor children who need opportunity instead of compassion."
Varadesh Hiregange, the director of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Manipal University said, "The joy of a person lies in giving, caring and sharing. The communication students are the real practitioners of this thought. Sneha and Sharmila were the initiators of this platform. The whole idea of life is expressed in a good manner.
"Childhood is the most important past in everyone’s life, but a few children are depressed in childhood. Life becomes tough for them as students. In education, application of Mahatma Gandhi’s 3 Hs - head, heart and hand - is very important. As human beings, we should respect nature first, because it nourishes us and we belong to nature. Most of the rural talents are migrating to other places without seeking jobs here. They lag behind in creating good market for their products," he added.
Many communication students participated with much enthusiasm. Ramesh Mallya, a CWC worker said that nearly 2,000 children have undertaken Namma Bhoomi vocational training.
Pawan, a 17-year-old of electrician said, "Such expo helps us to build social contact and marketing methods."
Colourful handloom kurtas, dress materials, Andhra cotton sarees, Mangalagiri and Kalankari sarees were the main attractions at Namma Angadi. The price range of the sarees is between Rs 450 and Rs 1,500.
The items were displayed systematically in four class rooms. Apart from women's clothes, there were children's apparel, terracotta jewellery, clay models, jute bags, cotton hand bags, sling bags, honey, stone soap tray, ginger jam, pickles, cocum, home décor products such as window curtains made in bamboo pieces, brass artifacts, waste-to-wealth paper products, bed sheets, stone carved products, lavanche products and much more.
Shreya welcomed the gathering. Shimpa delivered vote of thanks. Nidhi compered the programme.
Dr Nandini Laxmikantha, director and professor of school of communication, Shivanand, assistant director of Namma Bhoomi, Souparnika Attavar, faculty coordinator, Damodar Acharya, executive director and others were present on the occasion.
'Namma Angadi' is a collective marketing network for young rural artisans. It also promotes vocational trainees as well as working youngsters. It began as an outlet for rural artisans where stalls were put up on local market days to help villagers sell their products. The network now has two outlets – one at CWC office in Bengaluru, and the other at its residential resource centre, 'Namma Bhoomi' in Kundapur. There are no middlemen in the process and CWC makes no income from the sales. Profits are returned to the producers who are also part-owners of the business. All products are sustainable, eco-friendly, and hand-crafted. They are priced reasonably to appeal to the widest possible section of the community.