Port Blair, Oct 6: A fashion show & exhibition on ‘Khadi Deshi Wears’ & Sea Shell Crafted Garments and launching of the brand ‘Sagar Kanya’ collections by Islands’ Progressive Women Co-operative Society (IPWCS), A&N Islands was held at TGCE Auditorium here this evening. The First Lady of A&N Islands, Smt. Prem Mukhi was the chief guest on the occasion. Smt. Rupa Ray, ex- Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. Sheela Singh and Secretary, Industries, Smt. Rashmi Singh were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, soon after lighting the ceremonial lamp, the First Lady lauded the Islands’ Progressive Women Co-operative Society for organizing a wonderful show with an aim to promote Khadi garments. The First Lady remarked that Gandhiji’s message on Khadi & its significance and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s message on promotion of Khadi is gaining momentum. She further stated that Khadi is skin friendly and has various uses. Promoting Khadi is indeed a noble gesture; she said adding that earlier, Khadi was just a simple material but with the passage of time, it has garnered importance with its new looks, designs & vibrant colours. The importance of Khadi should not be confined within the country alone but should be taken at international level too, she said.
The First Lady also praised the Chief Designer & Secretary (IPWCS), Smti Kakali Poddar, for her initiative, an enriching & encouraging one to womenfolk besides promotion of Khadi in Isles. She stressed that such initiatives should continue to grow and empower women.
The First Lady also launched the Brand ‘Sagar Kanya’ collections by unveiling the plaque. The Chief Designer & Secretary (IPWCS) & President (Shobini SHG), Smt. Kakali Poddar also presented ‘uttoria’ and first product of Khadi by IPWCS to the First Lady on the occasion.
The First Lady and other dignitaries also evinced keen interest in the Khadi products on display and purchased some Khadi garments, as an act of encouragement to the Islands’ Progressive Women Co-operative Society.
A video presentation on brief report of the activities of IPWCS besides audio visual presentation on ‘History, Heritage & Development of Khadi’ was also screened on the occasion.
A beautiful fashion show exclusively on ‘Khadi Deshi Wears’ received accolades from the gathering. Women & girls attired in colourful Khadi garments walked the ramp amidst loud applause from the audience. The Fashion designers and mentors were also introduced to the audience soon after the show.
The Fashion show was presented by Smt. Kakali Poddar which was choreographed & coordinated by Sonali Poddar and powered by NABARD.
The programme was attended by SHGs, Officials from Industries Department and others.
Earlier, Smt. Sunita Sanyal welcomed the gathering while the show was compeered by Ms. B. Divya Paul, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
