This International women’s day would be different for hundreds of widows of Vrindavan as a New York-based fashion designer shared tips with them to design clothes for the US and Australia Fashion world.
A skill training programme was launched where a group of widows living in Ashrams of Vrindavan will design and prepare handicraft outfits for high-end class people for United States of America and other parts of the world.
As part of this initiative, New York-based Fashion Designer Kopal formally launched skill training for widows at Meera Sahabhagini Ashram in Vrindavan. The widows will prepare outfits -- mostly western wears -- as per designs developed by this Fasion Designer.
"I had an idea about the plight of thousands of widows living in Vrindavan, so I instantly accepted the request from Sulabh to do something for them. I have spent several
days with a group of widows from Vrindavan in Delhi and today I am initiating a programme for them on the eve of Women's Day. They will prepare ladies wear and fashion
accessories as per my design which will be marketed throughout world under my label," Kopal said.
Eighty years old Manu Ghosh said it was a new experience for them but it would give them immense satisfaction to design such a dress to be worn by a western lady.
Social Reformer Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak has initiated this effort to give the hitherto ignored widows of Vrindavan an opportunity to learn a new skill to serve the world of fashion and glamour.
Kopal a product of New york 's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Started her professional career at Bottega Veneta. she worked for labels like Ralph lauren, Kenneth Cole and Converse.
"But I have always been attracted to rural life, simpler life, artisan life. I spend vacations working with local artisans, and traveling to Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Morocco, I began to develop stronger feelings and ideals about myself," she said.
Arrangements have also been made to impart education to the widows in three languages -- Hindi, Bengali and English. Teachers have been appointed for the purpose.