The Glorious Life and Times of 'Make in India': Gitikka Ganju Hosts Weaves of Banaras

by  Gitikka Ganju Dhar Business Events | February 18, 2016 | Feature

Gitikka Ganju Dhar Weaves of Banaras Make in India

The focus is on India like never before. These are the life and times of 'Make in India' and no stone is being left unturned to make sure this initiative by the Government of India attains its goal to showcase the prowess of the Indian manufacturing sector, and also to re-galvanize Brand India in the eyes of countrymen and the world alike.

The Fashion Design Council of India conceptualized and executed the evening ‘Weaves of Banaras’, staged at ITC Grand Maratha Central. Everything about the evening was beautiful. The air smelt like a million Jasmine flowers and there was Marigold everywhere, asserting the beauty of all things Indian. I welcomed the guests on behalf of FDCI, The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and ITC Hotels.

The evening began with Yours Truly inviting on the dais Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Government of India; Dipak Hakssar, CEO, ITC Hotels; and Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India. V. Sunil, Director, Motherland Joint Ventures & Creative Director, Make in India Initiative was also present.

On the occasion Kant said, "Weaves of Banaras is a once in a lifetime show bringing together India's finest contemporary designers highlighting its traditional strengths."

Sethi added, “We would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for giving FDCI a coveted opportunity to collaborate with them at this prestigious platform. FDCI is appreciative of the filial allegiance of the ITC Hotels to this initiative. We assure that the audience will be riveted by the charms of the Banarasi weaves created by FDCI designers. It is an honour to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ movement which is now gaining momentum.”

A part of the Make in India week, ‘Weaves of Banaras’ celebrated the crafts of Banaras, its luxurious weaves and the vivacious skill of the weavers. Designers incorporated Banaras in their style repertoire, braided with the woven wonders that the holy city is known for. Veteran design gurus Sabyasachi, Rohit Bal, Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Namrata Joshipura, JJ Valaya, Ashish Soni, Arjun Saluja, Anju Modi, AnitaDongre, Abraham & Thakore, and Abhishek Gupta unfolded their collections.

Aparna and Anisha Bahl of Preferred Professionals, who choreographed the show, made sure the focus remained on the ensembles, keeping the light, stage and sound simple on purpose. The models were styled by Gautam Kalra and make-up was executed by Mac Cosmetics. Sufiana Kalam singer Deveshi Singhal performed, while the menu was designed by ITC’s legendary Chef Manjit Gill.

Despite a back-breaking schedule, I relished every moment of writing for and speaking at the event. I certainly took home the special memory of hosting an event with India’s design legends, all on one stage, for the biggest brand India has ever created – Make in India.

Gitikka Ganju Dhar is a Live Host, TV Anchor & Event Content Writer based in Mumbai. 

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