JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje walked the ramp at a fashion show here to promote khadi.

Ms. Raje's catwalk at another show in Bangalore last month had drawn criticism from the Opposition Congress and civil rights activists.

The fashion show was organised by the Rajasthan Khadi and Gramodyog Board here on Saturday to popularise khadi apparel by showcasing the products made with the "creative assistance" of Bangladeshi fashion designer Bibi Russell.

Minutes after releasing a logo of the special fashion show, Ms. Raje — attired in a maroon saree with black border — walked the ramp along with actor and model Rahul Dev. Ms. Raje's catwalk drew loud applause from the audience that included Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan and Juhi Chawla and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar.

Top models including Zulfi Sayed, Nethra Raghuraman and Noyonika Chatterjee flaunted handwoven fabric.

Gandhians upset

Gandhian leaders, civil rights activists and those promoting khadi woven by poor artisans have been left aghast by the fashion show and Ms. Raje participating in the elitist event.

They said such fashion shows would in fact make khadi expensive and take it out of the reach of the poor.

Sawai Singh, president of Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh, said Ms. Raje's catwalk depicted her feudal mindset with no concern or sympathy for the disadvantaged sections.

"How can a Chief Minister who walks the ramp and mixes up with the glitterati relate herself with the poor and downtrodden? Can she feel the pangs of hunger or understand the agony of poverty?"

Gandhian activists said a fashion show cannot generate employment for poor khadi weavers.

But the Khadi and Gramodyog Board has stated that the fashion show formed part of a special promotional programme to give an impetus to the handwoven fabric for which a whopping Rs. 5.50 crore had been earmarked.

The Board has got in touch with fashion design institutions, consultants and marketing specialists to check the downward trend in the khadi fabric sale.

Russell's guidance

Bibi Russell has been specially engaged to provide guidance and inputs for creating a series of woollen and cotton khadi fabrics and readymade apparel.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail