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From Banarsi saris to golgappas, an Indian tadka for African first ladies
New Delhi: From intricate Banarsi weaves not only in saris but in a wide range of garb from traditional to modern, and a mouth-watering ensemble of dishes – and an opportunity to try their own hand at cooking, it was an enticing introduction to the arts and cuisine of India for a host of African first ladies accompanying their spouses for the India-Africa Forum Summit.
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) collaborated with the external affairs ministry to present “Threads of Banaras” as part of the first ladies’ programme during the summit and it wowed the distinguished guests, who kept a close eye on the handloom clothes displayed while several expressed their love for “yellow dal” and the tangy taste of “golgappas.”
First ladies from the east African nation of Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda, the southern African nations of Angola, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland, the central African nation of Ethiopia, the western African nations of Equitorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Mali and Senegal and the island nations of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mauritius participated.
Coming straight away from the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple on the banks of the Yamuna here, the dignitaries looked excited to the fashion show which was going to show them the exquisitely beautiful world of Banarasi weaving.
The 25-minute show was a collection by Ekaya which ran over four segments and paid a tribute to the vivacity of Banaras and its accomplished weavers. The first segment began with traditional Banarasi saris, followed by ornate lehengas, salwar-kameez and Anarkalis, while the final showcased modern interpretations of global fashion with traditional weaves.
As Vedic chants filled the air, in keeping with the atmospheric charm of the Hindu holy city, it transported guests to a golden era of India’s richest textiles, weaves and embroideries.
“‘Threads of Benaras’ has been presented by, put together and conceptualized by FDCI along with Ekaya that has 50 years of history of working on weavers and master weavers brought the heritage and handloom of Benaras,” said FDCI president Sunil Sethi.
Moving ahead, there was culinary session with Chef Kunal Kapoor, who took everyone to the world of India’s rich diversity in food, and crunchy, tangy golgappas to crisp aloo tikkis, the first ladies enjoyed all the fare with a smile.
Many confessed to be enormously impressed with India.
“I am amazed with India, its rich colour and diversity. Its beautiful,” said one of the first ladies.
Some admitted to a keen love for Indian food.
“I love yellow dal of India,” said one of the delegates.
A few daring ones even displayed their culinary skills by making carom seed (ajwain) flavoured parathas along with Kapoor on stage.
“I try such stuffs at my home too,” said Tanzanian first lady Asha Mahmoud Mzee while giving a demo of her culinary skills.
The first ladies were accompanied with spouses of top Indian leaders including Delhi Lt.Gov Najeeb Jung’s wife Ameena Jung, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, and Neelam Pratap Rudy, and Joram Rina Rijiju, wives of union ministers Rajeev Pratap Rudy and Kiren Rijiju, as well as Jaya Jaitly, Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi, and National Commission for Women chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam.
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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