Sat Sep 27 17:48:34 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

Uma Reddy has been appointed as the first woman president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) in its 108-year history. Reddy, the Managing Director of Hitech Magnetics and Electronics, aims to empower MSMEs in Karnataka with technology and skills, create opportunities for women and youth, and promote sustainability and green economy initiatives during her tenure. She emphasizes FKCCI’s role in policy advocacy, facilitating ease of doing business, and connecting industry, government, and society. Reddy plans to strengthen links between startups and industry, promote skill development in technology, and nurture agritech businesses, given Karnataka’s significant contribution to India’s GDP and its leading position in various sectors. She acknowledges the challenges faced by MSMEs, including rising operational costs and global competition, and aims to address them through FKCCI’s initiatives.

**News Article:**

**Uma Reddy Shatters Glass Ceiling, Becomes First Woman President of FKCCI**

**Bengaluru, September 27, 2025** – In a landmark moment for the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), Uma Reddy has been appointed as its first woman president in the organization’s 108-year history. The appointment marks a significant step towards gender equality in the business world and promises a new era of inclusive growth for Karnataka’s economy.

Reddy, Managing Director of Hitech Magnetics and Electronics, takes the helm as the 92nd president of the prestigious trade body. Speaking to *The Hindu*, she outlined her vision for FKCCI, emphasizing the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through technology and skill development. She also aims to create more opportunities for women and youth and to champion sustainability and green economy initiatives.

“This is a historic moment,” Reddy stated. “It’s not just about breaking barriers, but about building bridges – for women, for MSMEs, and for Karnataka’s future. I believe that once I’ve taken over this mantle, there would be many more women to take leadership roles in the chambers of commerce.”

Reddy’s extensive experience in the power electronics sector, where she has successfully led Hitech Magnetics and Electronics for over three decades, positions her well to address the challenges faced by Karnataka’s businesses. She acknowledges the rising operational costs, global competition, and financing hurdles that MSMEs are currently facing.

FKCCI, with its vast network of over 5,000 direct members and two lakh members through its affiliated organizations, will continue its role in policy advocacy and facilitating ease of doing business. Reddy plans to strengthen the link between startups and established industries, foster skill development in emerging technologies, and nurture agritech businesses to leverage Karnataka’s strengths in IT, biotech, space research, and aerospace manufacturing.

“As a team, we want to make FKCCI not only Karnataka’s pride, but the world’s benchmark for inclusive, innovative, and impactful commerce,” Reddy asserted. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to FKCCI’s operations and contribute significantly to Karnataka’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

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