Udupi: The gold and silver trade is increasingly operating on a corporate model amid changes in the global business landscape, and artisans and professionals in the sector must adapt to the evolving environment, said Congress leader and entrepreneur Prasad Raj Kanchan.
He was speaking at the launch of the brochure for the ‘Silver Jubilee Grand Convention 2026–27’ of the Udupi District Gold and Silver Workers’ Association at Daivajna Kalyana Mantapa in Olakadu.
Need to adapt to changing business environment
Prasad Raj Kanchan said many people continue to earn their livelihood through traditional family occupations. While some have been able to progress by adapting to changing circumstances, others have struggled to keep pace with developments.
“If everyone engaged in traditional professions had progressed equally, India would have emerged as one of the world’s major economic powers much earlier,” he said.
He stressed the need for people working in the gold and silver sector to understand the changing business environment and adopt new approaches to sustain and develop their profession.
Kanchan also said efforts would be made to seek government support for young people entering the gold and silver trade.
Call for subsidy-based loans
Kanchan said a request would be submitted to the government seeking the introduction of a subsidy-based loan scheme for youngsters engaged in the gold and silver profession.
He assured the gathering that he would take up the matter with the concerned ministers and make efforts to address the demands of gold and silver artisans.
Such financial support, he said, could help young people enter the profession and enable those already working in the sector to strengthen their businesses.
Raghupati Bhat seeks separate welfare board
Speaking on the occasion, former MLA K. Raghupati Bhat described gold and silver artisans as a hardworking community and said they should strengthen their organisation to secure long-term welfare measures.
Rather than depending solely on government grants, artisans should collectively demand the establishment of a separate welfare board for their community, he said.
Bhat said a dedicated welfare board could provide an institutional mechanism for artisans to access various government benefits, including grants and other welfare schemes.
He urged members of the community to organise themselves and collectively approach the government with their demands.
Association leaders attend
Ravichandra Acharya Marali, president of the Udupi District Gold and Silver Artisans’ Association, presided over the programme.
Moktesara Murahari K of Katapadi Sri Kalikamba Vishwakarmeshwara Temple, Udupi Jewellers Association president Vasant Rao, Daivajna Brahmin Association president Shivshankar Shet, Raja Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gold and Silver Association president Santosh Balakrishna More, honorary president Balakrishna Acharya Kappettu, working president Kishore Acharya, general secretary Prasanna Acharya Muniyalu, treasurer Diwakara V Acharya Ulakkadu, Kundapur taluk president Krishna Acharya, Rajata Mahotsava vice-president Prashant Acharya and Satish Shet were present.
The Silver Jubilee Grand Convention 2026–27 is expected to provide a platform for members of the gold and silver trade to discuss issues affecting the traditional profession, welfare measures and the need to adapt to changing market conditions.