Swadeshi campaign catches on

With increasing footfalls and rising revenues, the swadeshi campaign seems to be catching on in Mysore, as the Centre for Bharatiya Marketing Development (CBMD) is readying to hold its Swadeshi Mela in Mysore.

The week-long expo of Indian-made goods, with emphasis on micro and SSIs, will be held from December 12 at the Maharaja's College Grounds.

The trade fair will also serve as a platform to discuss topical issues like the Chamalapura thermal project proposed near Mysore, the 'Nandigram' developments, creation of special economic zones, entry of global firms into the retail market and other issues affecting the small enterprises.

A proposal to protest the entry of increasing number of global firms into retail trade will also be taken up.

Globalisation had resulted in increased unemployment and poverty in the last 15 years. The gap between the rich and poor was widening. About 1.5 lakh farmers had committed suicide, the maximum being in Karnataka.

Over half a million small and cottage industries had wound up, said fair convener and former MLA S A Ramadas. Against this background, we had to think of 'Swadeshi' and encourage cottage and small enterprises. Hence, the mela in Mysore for the fourth year in succession, he said.

Apart from over 100 stalls taken up by producers of indigenous products from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab and Delhi, a 'Total Swadeshi Bhandar' will be set up to sell all products required by a person in his day-to-day life. A special feature will be the 'Desi food court' where multi-local cuisine will be available.

Around 86 exhibitors participated in the fair last year. It had attracted 126,000 lakh visitors resulting in a total turnover of over Rs 1.5 crore. Seeing the success of the Mysore Mela, Tumkur had also come forward to host a similar fair, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Regional Organiser K Jagadish said.