29, Aug 2024
YFLO’s Roundtable Conversation on Sustainable Fashion

Hyderabad, August 29, 2024…… The Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO) is to host a distinctive Roundtable on Craftsmanship on 30th August 2024 at The Quorum Club, Hyderabad. This event, in collaboration with #ConsciousEffort, will spotlight India’s most prominent designers and advocates of Indian art and craft heritage, disclosed Ms Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO in a press note issued in the city today.

FASHION

Only 1% of all discarded clothing is recycled in the world today. The average person today buys 60 per cent more items of clothing than they did 15 years ago, but keeps them for only half as long. The average garment may be worn as few as ten times before disposal. Fashion is one of the most polluting of all industries. In this light of background this event is scheduled to sensitize people about the importance of sustainable fashion, Ridhi added.

The roundtable will feature eminent personalities such as Ms Pinky Reddy (Entrepreneur & Philanthropist), Mr Gaurang Shah (Textile & Fashion Designer), and Mr Shivam Punjya (Founder, Behno New York) in a thought-provoking conversation moderated by Saachi Bahl (Founder, Saahra & #ConsciousEffort). The discussion will centre on the global recognition of India’s rich multicultural craft heritage and artisanship.

Gaurang Shah, Textile & Fashion Designer, said, “The world is looking at India for fashion because nowhere else can you find such a rich variety of handcrafted textiles. Every few kilometres, you encounter different weaves, textures, colours, and designs.”

“Sustainable fashion to me is about being honest. Fashion creation inherently leaves a footprint, but by being mindful and working within existing systems, we can minimize our impact. We’re proud to contribute to showcasing Indian luxury globally, particularly in areas like leather goods, where India is reclaiming its age-old heritage.”, adds Shivam Punjya, Founder, Behno New York.

This collaboration between #ConsciousEffort and YFLO Hyderabad is a step towards raising awareness of the importance of celebrating heritage crafts, empowering women artisans, and recognizing the next generation of conscious shoppers as changemakers.

The event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the future of luxury with a focus on sustainability. The roundtable will not only highlight the remarkable journey of our speakers but also explore actionable strategies to preserve traditional crafts while catering to the growing demand for eco-conscious luxury.

28, Jun 2024
YFLO organised a session on endless possibilities in the blue economy

Hyderabad, June 28, 2024: Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFlO) organised a unique session on endless possibilities in the blue economy. The session titled “Beyond Horizons: A Marine Odyssey to Endless Possibilities”, gave a sneak peek into “The blue economy” is the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

YFLO

Three eminent speakers spoke on the subject. They include Mr. Praful Talera, Governing Council Member of the Maritime Research Center, with expertise in the Blue Economy, The Maritime Research Center (MRC) is a not-for-profit and is a Foundation setup for Underwater Domain Awareness.

The other speaker was Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail. Capt Dilip Donde is a retired Indian Naval officer. And the third speaker was our own Telugu woman from Hyderabad Ms.Aishwarya Boddapati, who was part of the first military crew in the world to circumnavigate the globe on INSV Tarini, with 10 years of service in the Indian Navy. She was part of the six-member all-women’s team of the Indian Navy, which made history by circumnavigating the globe in eight and half months

One of the guest speakers Mr Praful Talera, an expert in the Blue Economy addressing the 150-plus YFLO gathering said we are the only country in the world after whose name an ocean “the Indian Ocean” named. Our last conquerors Britishers invaded India through Sea. Even Azmal Kasab came from the sea route. The threat from sea looms large, especially in the ever-changing scenario of the geo-political situation. So, we need to explore the Blue Economy. Understand our waters. There are underwater drones. We need to be equipped to handle such a situation, he said.

India needs a Blue Economy Policy. As a nation, we have launched several policies to boost our blue economy efforts. In 2021 the Draft National Policy for Blue Economy aiming to enhance the GDP contribution of the ocean economy, improve the lives of coastal communities and preserve marine biodiversity was drafted. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy for the country. And the Hon’ble Prime Minister is most likely to launch soon the first of its kind a Blue Water Policy in India. Though I am not directly associated, I know of a task force which has been working on it for the past five years, he said.

Praful Talera spoke about Global commons, which are those parts of the planet that fall outside national jurisdictions and to which all nations have access. International law identifies four global commons, namely the High Seas(Blue Water), the atmosphere, Antarctica and Outer Space. Out of these four, the Blue Waters is the most neglected, he said. He emphasises that “Innovation in the maritime sector isn’t just about technology; it’s about sustainable progress for generations to come.”

Giving her opening remarks, Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of the Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO), said the session embodies our quest to explore the vast blue horizons of the ocean, guided by the principles of the Blue Economy.

We are privileged to host Captain Dilip Donde, Aishwarya Boddapati and Mr Praful Talera. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the forefront of maritime discussion, she added.

Today is not just about hearing tales of triumph; it’s about igniting the spark of possibility within us all.

Aishwarya Boddpati shared her journey from her college to 10 years stint with the Indian Navy and an adventurous expedition. We were on the seawater for eight and a half months to complete our mission. We faced many challenges. Initially, I wondered why I joined this adventurous mission. But, slowly I got adjusted. We ran short of drinking water. We had to wait for the rain to collect water in the middle of the sea. On our return very close to India, our sailboat steering broke. We had to manage and balance air and sailboat, she said.

My parents hail from Vijayawada and Guntur. They always encouraged me to my career in Navi. I was born in Hyderabad. I feel proud to serve the nation. I was into the design and construction of ships after my education. I always feared the sea and water. I wanted to conquer that fear. That is why I chose the adventurous mission of circumnavigating the world.

Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail shared his experiences and challenges. There was precedence as I was the first in the country to embark on it. Being the first I had to face a lot of challenges. There were regulatory challenges.

A career in the Navy is very challenging. I encourage many youngsters to get into the Indian Navy. India has a 7000 km coastline. The weather is good. Youth can also get in water sports, he said.

16, Feb 2024
YFLO organised a session “Design Your Story” to inspire young FICCI Ladies

Hyderabad, February 16, 2024: Young FICCI Ladies organisation organised a unique session, “Design Your Story” in the city on Thursday at Hotel ITC Kakatiya, Begumpet.

YFLO

The session featured two distinguished speakers who have significantly influenced the realms of storytelling and design.

One of the speakers was Karishma Mehta, a writer and photographer. Another distinguished speaker Riddhi Khosla Jalan, a prominent design influencer

They were in conversation with Arthi Shah, Chairperson of YFLO. Karishma Mehta said the most important step was the first step when you begin. The stories we curated and told not only enlightened the people but also impacted the lives of the people whose stories we told. We also raised money and helped them come out of their situation. One such situation was a lady with five daughters who was expecting a sixth one, hoping to be a boy. Her husband who was an alcoholic manhandled her. She was hospitalised and her husband was sent to jail. Our story ensured financial security for them and we raised Rs 25 lakhs she shared.

Another story was of Ali Bhai of Jammu Kashmir, who spent 23 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. We have helped him, as well as, raised money to bail out women from sexual work. Our stories made a huge difference to people, she narrated.

Riddhi Kosla Jalan told how twists and turns shaped her life for where she is today. From interior designer to the owner of a kid’s furniture store, she has now reached a place where she is known for her design influence. My goal is to be among the best design influencers in the world, she said.

Whatever you see me on Instagram is 100% me, she shared. She also shared how from being a designer she turned out to be managing media as a design influencer. I invest in good quality people who help me manage my professional duties. She advised her participants not to compete with contemporaries, but rather collaborate.

Giving her opening remarks Arthi Shah, Chairperson of YFLO said let’s embrace the convergence of these two worlds and explore how stories can be crafted and enhanced through thoughtful design. Both Karishma and Ridhi have exemplified the theme of learning, exploring, and executing in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on their audiences.

I hope this event inspires you to design your own compelling story, Arti said.

One of the speakers is Karishma Mehta, a writer and photographer. She is the founder and manager of the website Humans of Bombay and the author of the related book Humans of Bombay.

Inspired by the Humans of New York (HONY) website, the Humans of Bombay website carried the stories and lives of people in Mumbai. Humans of Bombay showed that every person is unique, inspirational, and relatable. It has successfully built a community of more than three million people who believe in the power of humanity. Karishma Mehta started ‘Humans Of Bombay’ – a page that today has over a million followers on Facebook and twice as many on Instagram. She is also a freelance writer and TEDx presenter.

Another distinguished speaker Riddhi Khosla Jalan, a prominent design influencer, offers valuable insights into the creation of visual narratives and leveraging design for impactful storytelling.