Udupi: The Udupi Mobile Retailers Association (UMRA) held the swearing-in ceremony of its new office bearers at the Town Hall in Ajjarkad, where local leaders and dignitaries emphasised the growing importance of mobile services in daily life and the need for an organised approach to tackle industry challenges.
MLA stresses role of associations
Inaugurating the programme, Udupi MLA Yash Pal Suvarna said that forming associations is essential for addressing professional challenges and enhancing respect for any profession.
“By establishing an association, it is possible to end the problems and challenges mobile retailers face. I wish UMRA becomes a cooperative platform that resolves issues and ensures prosperity for its members,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of mobile phones, Suvarna added that they have become indispensable in human life, enabling transactions including banking, and therefore, handsets must be made available to the common man at affordable prices.
Mobile services as essentials
Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar noted that mobiles are now integral to most daily activities. “Given their importance, there is a need to bring mobile retailers under the ambit of essential services,” he suggested.
Leaders and guests present
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries including Ramesh Kanchan, Leader of the Opposition in Udupi Municipal Council; businessmen Prasad Raj Kanchan and Purushottam Shetty; senior advocate Shantaram Shetty; and Vidushi Deeksha V.
Representatives from leading mobile brands—Sadanand (Xiaomi), Vinnil Kumar (Vivo), Chetan M (Oppo), and Somashekar (Nothing)—were also in attendance. National and state-level representatives of the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), including National General Secretary Navneet Pathak, State General Secretary B. Suhas Kini, State Vice President Mohan Hugar, and State President Ravikumar K, also participated.
District Association Honorary President Sandesh Ballal, Honorary Advisor Rajesh Mabian, along with Salim, Prashant Kini, Joint Secretary Sudarshan B., and Vice Presidents Ranjit Shetty, Rahul Udyavar, Ganesh, and Dhananjay, were present.
New office bearers sworn in
On this occasion, AIMRA Karnataka State President Ravikumar K administered the oath to the newly elected office bearers of UMRA. Vivek G. Suvarna took charge as President, Khader as Secretary, and Imran as Treasurer.
Delivering his introductory speech, President Vivek G. Suvarna welcomed the dignitaries and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening the retail mobile sector in Udupi district.