Fashion wear created by Liluah home inmates hits the ramp

On Wednesday, Kolkata witnessed the unveiling of a unique brand, Bongali. It is a handmade clothes and accessories line made by the inmates of the Liluah home for deserted and destitute children under the guidance of the internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Bibi Russel.

The logo of Bongali has been conceptualized and created by the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee. It is a joint initiative of the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare and the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

Interestingly, several looms in the Liluah home were lying idle till Bibi Russel started the project in April 2017. The MOS(IC) of the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Shashi Panja and WCPCR invited Russel to revive and use the looms. She has been training the inmates for a year and this is expected to help them in their future lives too. A variety of textile products and accessories has been fashioned by the inmates and the girls walked on the ramp in front of an august gathering on Wednesday evening. Says MLA of Liluah Vaishali Dalmia, "It gave them a sense of purpose and variety. Life can be monotonous in any home. All of them said that they were happy to have made something of aesthetic and commercial value".

A unique programme, the evening saw eminent guests like Tollywood hero Prosenjit Chatterjee and Indrani Halder. Dalmia and Panja were also present on the occasion.