Surat: Following a historic landslide victory on July 8, Kailash Hakim leads the newly-elected 41-member team of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders' Association (FOSTTA). This is the first occasion in FOSTTA's history that an election has resulted in such an unequivocal win, sparking much enthusiasm among traders. Though office bearers and committees are yet to be officially declared, Surat's 80,000 textile traders are optimistic about what the "New Fostta" will bring. Despite high expectations, FOSTTA's incoming executives face numerous challenges, with Hakim, now considered FOSTTA's new savior, set to prioritize certain key issues.
Hakim highlighted that the Surat cloth market faces various problems, some of which will be addressed as a priority. "Our first priority is to formulate a constitution for FOSTTA so that every trader receives their due rights," he stated. Hakim's team will also focus on developing effective regulations for payment processing. He noted the shifting trends in the cloth market, with business growth driven by an ever-evolving fashion sense, no longer dominated solely by sarees. In response to these changes, FOSTTA plans to motivate traders, promote skill development, and organize seminars.
Hakim emphasized the need to regulate returned goods in the textile market. "Goods coming back after the season ends pose a significant risk to the textile business," he said. Despite daily emerging challenges, Hakim affirmed their commitment to address all 17 points raised in the election resolution. "We need at least two to three years to work on these market problems, and thus we will propose an executive body term of two to three years in the constitution draft," he added.
The naming of the President, General Secretary, and Treasurer will be decided in a meeting on Saturday, following a unanimous agreement, finally ending the suspense over the key office bearers' identities.
Known for his humble demeanor and soft-spoken nature, Kailash Hakim, a native of Malsisar village in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, has won over the cloth market. Hakim, who holds a commerce degree and once prepared for the IAS, started in Surat in 1995. Despite his modest beginning, earning just Rs. 1500 a month, Hakim's hard work saw his salary increase to Rs. 15,000 within six months. After resigning from his initial job, Hakim started his own yarn brokerage, eventually opening his first clothes shop in Silk City market. His tireless work ethic and amicable nature have earned him steady progress in the business and the support of the community in the 2017 society elections, where he won with 86% of the vote.
