Tribune News Network
Doha
The Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with VCUarts Qatar, organised a special event recently to highlight the importance of khadi, a fabric popularised by the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi.
The event, which coincided with the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the ‘Father of the Nation’, was part of the ongoing India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019.
During the event held at VCUarts Qatar, a large gathering witnessed the display of various clothes made of khadi as well as a fashion show presented by well-known Indian fashion consultant and stylist, Prasad Bidapa. Clothing and dresses made from khadi fabric and yarns were on display outside the venue, showcasing India’s vibrant khadi culture.
Postage stamps to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were also released by Qatar Post on the occasion.
Throughout the fashion show, Bidapa presented the collections of some of the leading fashion designers of India. The show was widely appreciated by the audience comprising some prominent Qataris as well as several Indian community leaders.
Dozens of khadi creations by some of India’s top fashion designers such as Abraham & Thakore, Rimzim Dadu, Abrar Ali, Bibi Russell and Hemant Trivedi got standing ovations as models wearing the stunning designs sashayed down the ramp during the fashion show.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE P Kumaran said, "The release of the commemorative stamp and the celebration of khadi is a fitting tribute to the great leader of the nation. For us, this is a very special year because it’s India-Qatar Year of Culture and also the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, so we wanted to present something which projects Indian culture, Indian fashion, Indian textile industry and also link it to Mahatma Gandhi in some way.”
"Khadi for Indians is very much associated with the freedom movement of the country and is the fabric of freedom. Khadi is not just a fabric but the spirit of freedom for the thousands of Indians who challenged the British rule in a fearless and non-violent manner,” the ambassador said.
"Gandhi personally popularised khadi. He used to spin thread on a portable spinning wheel and encouraged people to do it. Even today the government is doing all it can to promote it partly because of the sentiments associated with the Indian freedom movement but also because it is eco-friendly,” the envoy said.
Speaking on the occasion, Bidapa said khadi is one of the most sustainable and environment-friendly and the most biodegradable fabric.
"We are promoting khadi as the most preferred fabric and most sustainable one especially in the present era where protection of environment is a global priority. It is a befitting occasion to promote khadi globally as we are celebrating Gandhij’s 150th birth anniversary,” he said.
Doha
The Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with VCUarts Qatar, organised a special event recently to highlight the importance of khadi, a fabric popularised by the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi.
The event, which coincided with the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the ‘Father of the Nation’, was part of the ongoing India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019.
During the event held at VCUarts Qatar, a large gathering witnessed the display of various clothes made of khadi as well as a fashion show presented by well-known Indian fashion consultant and stylist, Prasad Bidapa. Clothing and dresses made from khadi fabric and yarns were on display outside the venue, showcasing India’s vibrant khadi culture.
Postage stamps to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were also released by Qatar Post on the occasion.
Throughout the fashion show, Bidapa presented the collections of some of the leading fashion designers of India. The show was widely appreciated by the audience comprising some prominent Qataris as well as several Indian community leaders.
Dozens of khadi creations by some of India’s top fashion designers such as Abraham & Thakore, Rimzim Dadu, Abrar Ali, Bibi Russell and Hemant Trivedi got standing ovations as models wearing the stunning designs sashayed down the ramp during the fashion show.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE P Kumaran said, "The release of the commemorative stamp and the celebration of khadi is a fitting tribute to the great leader of the nation. For us, this is a very special year because it’s India-Qatar Year of Culture and also the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, so we wanted to present something which projects Indian culture, Indian fashion, Indian textile industry and also link it to Mahatma Gandhi in some way.”
"Khadi for Indians is very much associated with the freedom movement of the country and is the fabric of freedom. Khadi is not just a fabric but the spirit of freedom for the thousands of Indians who challenged the British rule in a fearless and non-violent manner,” the ambassador said.
"Gandhi personally popularised khadi. He used to spin thread on a portable spinning wheel and encouraged people to do it. Even today the government is doing all it can to promote it partly because of the sentiments associated with the Indian freedom movement but also because it is eco-friendly,” the envoy said.
Speaking on the occasion, Bidapa said khadi is one of the most sustainable and environment-friendly and the most biodegradable fabric.
"We are promoting khadi as the most preferred fabric and most sustainable one especially in the present era where protection of environment is a global priority. It is a befitting occasion to promote khadi globally as we are celebrating Gandhij’s 150th birth anniversary,” he said.