SIPMA holds General Body Meeting, elects new leadership

Vartha Bharati | 25-02-2025 | 19:31:00 IST

Bengaluru: The Southern India Plywood Manufacturers’ Association (SIPMA) held its General Body Meeting on February 22, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss key issues affecting the plywood sector.

The meeting, held in Bangalore, focused on crucial matters such as the QCO order, sustainability initiatives, emission norms, and industry standards. Discussions also included labour welfare and modernization efforts aimed at improving productivity in the sector.

A major highlight of the meeting was the election of new office bearers. Dr. Prashant MA was elected as the President of SIPMA. He is currently the Director of AK Apple Ply, a company founded by the late M. Ahmed in 1984. Originally from Kochi, Dr. Prashant has been associated with AK Apple Ply for over three decades, having joined the company in the 1990s. He gained valuable experience under the mentorship of M. Ahmed and played a key role in expanding the company’s operations. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Prashant acknowledged the vision of his late mentor and said he was honored to take on the responsibility of leading SIPMA to serve the plywood industry.

Alongside Dr. Prashant, Jitendra R Patel, Managing Director of Raaj Wood Products in Nelamangala, was elected as Vice President, and K. Hariraya Kamath from Karnataka Plywood in Sullia, Karnataka, was appointed as Secretary.

During the event, SIPMA also recognized the contributions of industry veteran Siraj Bhai of Veneer Mills by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A member of SIPMA since 1980, he has dedicated his career to the growth of the plywood sector and has been actively involved in its development.

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PM Modi pays tributes to those killed in Jallianwala Bagh massacre

13-04-2026 ¦ 13-04-2026 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI)

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, and said their sacrifice stands as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of the people of India.

Modi also said the saga of those killed in the massacre, their indomitable courage and self-respect against the barbarity of foreign rule will continue to inspire every generation of the nation.

"On this day, we pay our heartfelt homage to the brave martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. Their sacrifice stands as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of our people. The courage and determination they displayed continue to inspire generations to uphold the values of liberty, justice and dignity," Modi said in a post on X.

Hundreds of people protesting peacefully against the Rowlatt Act, which granted the

colonial administration repressive powers, were gunned down by British forces without any provocation on this day in 1919 at a garden in Amritsar.

While the official figure put the number of dead at 379, freedom movement leaders had claimed that several hundreds more died in the firing.