At a time when the khadi industry is badly in need of a revamp to save it from dying a slow death, Additional District Magistrate of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Ritu Suhas is popularising khadi apparel by modeling in them. Recently she walked the ramp in a fashion show in Agra to promote khadi wear. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about the show and talked about her keen interest in modeling.
PASSIONATE ABOUT MODELLING
Ms. Suhas has been in the modeling field for the last five years and has been doing fashion shows to promote Indian tradition and culture. She also won the title of Mrs. India in 2019 and has done several photoshoots for important causes.
“I haven’t taken up modeling as a profession but consider it more like a hobby or passion. I have been doing government shows mostly and sometimes a few shows or photoshoots for people who are close to me. I really enjoy modeling!” she told Indian Masterminds.
PROMOTING KHADI
Recently, a fashion show was organized at the Taj Mahotsav, which is an art, culture, and handicrafts fair held in Agra to promote khadi apparel and industries. The models walked the ramp wearing garments made of khadi, and Ms. Suhas was the showstopper.
The show was organized by the Department of Tourism in alliance with the Khadi Department, and Ms. Suhas was asked to be the showstopper for the designers. She was also the showstopper in other khadi shows that were held in Uttar Pradesh last year.
“Although being a government servant, we have to be very careful about the place and profile we are going in for, still there are various departments where you can actually use your passion for a good cause. It is truly a blessing in disguise to be able to blend profession and passion together,” Ms. Suhas said.
SHOWCASING CREATIVITY
Having done several shows for the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Suhas feels that there is so much talent in our country and it is great that the government is giving designers a chance to promote their creativity and clothes through these shows.
“Khadi does not only mean kurta and pyjama, whatever kind of dresses are worn today, all are available. Even bridal wear, formals, and western gowns can be made out of Khadi today. Uttar Pradesh is not as advanced in the field of modeling as other metropolitan cities of the country, but I feel that we have such wonderful talent here that, sooner or later, the state will come into the same league as them,” she said.
WOOING PEOPLE
The fashion show held in Agra became a huge success and people came in huge numbers to witness it, and the state government and tourism department were successful in promoting khadi among the audience present that day.
“We should echo khadi as it is purely Indian. We should seep in the tradition and try it out. It is also inexpensive and can be afforded by everyone.”
Buying and using khadi-made clothes also generates livelihood for the women weavers engaged in the khadi industry. Hence, the government of UP is trying to attract people towards khadi apparel by showcasing the rich tradition of khadi through glamourous fashion shows, in an attempt to revive the dying industry.
