The Consumer club and PG & Research Department of Commerce, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore had jointly organized a One day State level seminar on “CONSUMER AWARENESS” recently at Marappa G. Aruchami Auditorium in the college premises. 1100 participants were benefited by attending the seminar.
Dr.V.Balasubramaniam, Principal welcomed the gathering. Dr.C.A.Vasuki, Secretary and Director delivered the inaugural address. She said that, as we are all consumers, it is very important to be aware of our rights and responsibilities. She informed the students how the world consumer rights day is celebrated on 15th March every year, by stating that it was JOHN F KENNEDY the former President of America who talked about Consumer rights in the US Congress on 15th March 1962. She also said that the consumer rights day is celebrated on 24th December every year in India. She explained the various rights available to the consumers such as the right to choose, the right to be informed, and the right to be heard etc,. She highlighted the need to file complaints against deceptive goods by using the right to seek redressal. She encouraged the young students to spread the Consumer Awareness in order to protect every one in the society and to promote a healthy and safe environment. In her inaugural address she also quoted, what Mahatma Gandhiji had said about the rights of the consumers. She appreciated the efforts of the PG and Research Department of Commerce for having organized this seminar at the state level.
Hon’ble Dr.Justice S.TAMILVANAN, President, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Former Judge of Madras High Court), Tamil Nadu was the chief guest. In his key note address, he highlighted the significance of Consumer Protection Act 1986. He encouraged the participants to seek grievance redressal through forums and commissions available at District level, State level and National level. He insisted the participants to be aware of the rights and duties of consumers. He rightly quoted that ignorance of law is not an excuse. The consumers must raise their voice and lodge complaints against the unfair trade practices. He illustrated how the consumers are being cheated in day to day life by referring to some of the recent cases handled by him. He emphasized the need for mass consumer movement to fight against adulteration, malpractices and cyber cheating to protect the consumers. Dr.V.Chinnusamy, Chief Executive Officer delivered vote of thanks.