At an event in Raipur, surrendered Naxalite women did a ramp walk. On the occasion of National Handloom Day, a state-level weavers’ conference and Swadeshi Expo was organized. Where former women Naxalites showcased handloom fabrics wearing Kosa sarees.
This fashion show was not just a display of traditional attire, but also brought forward the inspiring story of women from changing Bastar who are starting a new life by joining the mainstream. These women, who once lived in the shadow of guns and violence, stepped onto the ramp with confidence.
See pictures of the ramp walk…
Surrendered Naxalite women walked wearing Kosa silk.
A glimpse of Chhattisgarh’s rich handloom tradition was seen on the ramp.
All the women doing the ramp walk had come to Raipur for the first time.
Message given through ramp walk
In the indigenous fashion show, surrendered women walked the ramp with complete confidence. They showcased attractive garments made from Chhattisgarh’s traditional weaving and Kosa silk.
The surrendered Naxalites attempted to convey the message through the ramp walk that after leaving the path of violence and returning to the mainstream, a new beginning of dignified and self-reliant life is possible.
These women, who once lived their lives under the shadow of guns, stepped onto the ramp with confidence.
All women arrived in Raipur for the first time
The special feature of the program was that almost all the women who walked the ramp had come to Raipur for the first time. This experience was extremely special and memorable for them. The confidence and enthusiasm were clearly visible on the faces of the women walking the ramp in traditional attire.
Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai, who participated in the program, also had a cordial conversation with the self-surrendered women and boosted their morale. He wished the women a bright future.
Show for people returning to mainstream
This fashion show emerged as a positive message towards respect, self-reliance, and new opportunities for people returning to the mainstream under the government’s rehabilitation policy.
At the event organized on the occasion of National Handloom Day, emphasis was also placed on taking Chhattisgarh’s Kosa and traditional handloom products to national and international markets. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched Chhattisgarh’s premium handloom brand ‘Koshal Fab’.
Glimpse of handloom tradition seen on ramp walk
Women who surrendered walked the ramp wearing Kosa silk, showcasing on one hand the rich handloom tradition of Chhattisgarh, while on the other hand presenting such a picture of changing Bastar where skill replaced guns and self-reliance replaced violence.
The presence of these women in Chhattisgarh moving towards ‘Local to Global’ also conveyed the message that with rehabilitation and opportunities, they can create a new identity and dignified future for themselves.
