Presented under the theme “Threads of India: Woven Stories, Shared Soul,” the showcase paid tribute to the country’s enduring textile traditions while providing a prestigious national platform to grassroots artisans and emerging designers from rural communities.
Building on the success of “Dream Weavers 1.0” at Times Lifestyle Week 2024, M3M Foundation returned to the runway with a renewed commitment to bringing hidden talent and India’s rich craft heritage into the spotlight. The earlier initiative introduced six young designers from rural backgrounds to the fashion industry. This year, the Foundation expanded its vision by enabling students to experience the origins of some of India’s most celebrated textile traditions firsthand.
Under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, four students from the Foundation’s iMpower Academy for Skills — Aanchal, Geeta, Nishu and Nancy — undertook an immersive three-month journey across India to study traditional crafts directly from master artisans.
Their travels took them through narrow lanes, artisan households and modest workshops, many located in economically vulnerable communities where craftsmanship remains the primary source of livelihood. During this period, the students learned from weavers, embroiderers, printers and dyers, gaining insight not only into technical processes but also into the cultural narratives, challenges and traditions embedded in every creation.
The journey began in Lucknow, where they studied the delicate techniques of Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery. In Varanasi, they observed the intricate weaving of Banarasi silk. In Patiala, they explored the vibrant tradition of Phulkari embroidery. In Kanchipuram and Chennai, they experienced the richness of Kanjivaram silk and Kalamkari art. In Bhuj and nearby artisan villages including Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi, they discovered Ajrakh printing, Bandhani and handloom weaving. In Rajkot, they examined the highly sophisticated Patola weaving process, and in Rajasthan, they immersed themselves in the centuries-old tradition of hand block printing.
Guided by Neetu Mahajan, Director of Jaipuri Banno and the designer behind the collection, the students transformed their experiences into a contemporary fashion presentation deeply rooted in tradition and purpose.
The outcome was an extraordinary collection of 33 ensembles, each carefully crafted to reflect the identity of the regions and communities that inspired them. Every garment represented countless hours of skilled artisan work and preserved the cultural memory of communities that have safeguarded these traditions for generations.
The collection was brought to life on the runway by acclaimed actor Neetu Chandra, who appeared as the lead showstopper. She was joined by digital creator Garima Chaurasia and Nisha Yadav in a special showstopper appearance. They were accompanied by Neetu Mahajan, the four student designers from iMpower Academy, and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President of M3M Foundation. The presentation received an enthusiastic response and a standing ovation from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Payal Kanodia said that M3M Foundation believes true empowerment begins when hidden talent is given visibility, dignity and opportunity. She described Ada-E-Hind as more than a fashion presentation, calling it a tribute to India’s artisans, whose work preserves the nation’s cultural essence, and to the young creators who demonstrate that aspirations from the smallest villages can reach the grandest stages.
Through its iMpower Academy for Skills, implemented by the National Institute of Education and Development, M3M Foundation continues to provide vocational training, mentorship and exposure to young people from underserved communities. Ada-E-Hind extends this mission by connecting education with heritage, creativity and dignified livelihood opportunities.
With the presentation of “Threads of India” and the unveiling of Ada-E-Hind, M3M Foundation and Jaipuri Banno have once again demonstrated that when purpose and creativity come together, fashion becomes a transformative force for recognition, preservation and social change.
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group and works across education, health, livelihoods, sports and environmental initiatives. Operating in 22 states and more than 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted over five million lives through its vision of inclusive, sustainable and transformative nation-building.
About The Author
Comment List