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Time of India
08-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
'Ideal Indian wife' embodies strength, stays rooted in 'dharma' even after being deserted: Madhya Pradesh HC
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Rejecting a petition for divorce filed by a man, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has extolled his wife who continued to live with her in-laws after he abandoned her, and said an " ideal Indian wife " remains rooted in her " dharma " in such a situation. The conduct of the wife in the present case reflected the "Hindu ideal of the woman as Shakti - not weak, but submissive and powerful in her endurance and grace", said a bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi in the judgement passed on August petitioner, a constable with the Special Armed Force who got married in 1998, is living apart from his wife since 2006. After a local court rejected his divorce petition on the ground 'cruelty', he moved the Indore bench of the High the HC found the grounds cited in the plea "very shallow and hollow in nature", and noted that the woman, despite his absence, remained committed to her in-laws. "She is serving them with care and affection, as she would have, if her husband was present, thereby reinforcing her moral stature," the judges said."She does not use her sufferings for gain of sympathy, instead she channeled it inward, reflecting the Hindu ideal of the woman as Shakti - not weak, but submissive and powerful in her endurance and when she is left alone, she does not forsake the Mangalsutra, the Sindoor or the symbols of her marriage status as her marriage to her is not a contract, but a Sanskara - an indelible sacrament," the bench said."As per Hindu concept, marriage is a sacred, eternal and indissoluble union, an ideal Indian wife, even when deserted by her husband, continues to embody strength, dignity and virtue. Her conduct is rooted in dharma, cultural values and sanctity of marital bond ....Despite the pain of abandonment, she remains rooted in her dharma as a wife," said the High the petitioner's contention that the wife was not ready to fulfill her marital obligation , the court said it was "falsified by the fact" that they have a son who is now to the claim that she accused him of illicit relations with a woman colleague, the court said it could not be treated as cruelty, considering her situation."In sheer frustration apprehension, alleging that husband is having some romantic relationship with another woman, therefore, he was not taking her to live with him," the court said, adding that she did not make the allegation publicly but only in response to his divorce husband had sought divorce claiming the wife showed no interest in marital relations, accused him of illicit relationships and drinking alcohol. The wife denied the charges, saying he was seeking divorce on false grounds.
Hindustan Times
08-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Ideal Indian wife continues to embody strength even when deserted': Madhya Pradesh high court
The Madhya Pradesh High Court showered an unusual praise on a woman for 'staying rooted' in her 'dharma' as a wife and not giving up symbols of her marriage even after being abandoned by her husband for nearly two decades. Madhya Pradesh high court said that conduct of an ideal Indian wife is rooted in 'dharma, cultural values and sanctity of marital bond.'(File Photo) A bench of Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Binod Kumar Dwivedi dismissed a divorce plea by the woman's husband on grounds of cruelty and observed that as per Hindu concept, 'marriage is a sacred, eternal and indissoluble union.' It added that an 'ideal Indian wife', even when deserted by her husband, 'continues to embody strength, dignity and virtue.' The court added that her conduct is rooted in 'dharma, cultural values and sanctity of marital bond.' What is the case? The man and the woman got married in November 1998 in Madhya Pradesh's Indore and have a son who was born in 2002. The woman lives with her in-laws in a joint family while her husband serves as a Constable in the Special Armed Force and stays in Bhopal. The husband first appealed a family court seeking divorce on grounds of cruelty, saying that his wife showed no interest in marital relations, and accused him of having an affair and drinking alcohol. The couple has been living separately since 2006. The wife, however, has refuted these allegations and said that her husband is seeking divorce on false grounds. She said that she has been living with her in-laws since marriage and that she has always been willing to fulfil her marital obligations. She also alleged that her husband has an extramarital affair with a female colleague of his. Based on this, the family court dismissed the husband's petition for divorce and the high court, in its order dated August 5, 2025, upheld the decision. Madhya Pradesh high court's observations The Madhya Pradesh high court bench said that in the case present before it, the woman did leave her matrimonial home and continued to live with and care for her in-laws, upholding her 'self-respect and dignity'. 'Despite the pain of abandonment, she remains rooted in her dharma as a wife. She does not allow bitterness or despair to erode her sense of responsibility towards the marriage and the family, she has become a part of,' the bench observed. 'Despite the absence of her husband, she remained committed to her in-laws. She is serving them with care and affection, as she would have, if her husband was present, thereby reinforcing her moral stature,' it added. The court also that the woman reflected the 'Hindu ideal of a woman as Shakti - not weak, but submissive and powerful in her endurance and grace' by not using her sufferings to 'gain sympathy'. 'Even when she left alone, she does not forsake, the Mangalsutra, the Sindoor or the symbols of her marriage status as her marriage to her is not a contract, but a Sanskara - an indelible sacrament.' The court called the case 'unique' because the woman continued to live with her in-laws, depicting her 'loyalty' as 'typical Indian woman who puts all her efforts to save her family life', while in many similar cases, the wife decides to live alone or with her parents. Dismissing the woman's suspicion of her husband having an affair as grounds for cruelty, the court said that since the husband has not lived with her for around 19 years, she is 'constrained' to think so in 'sheer frustration'.
Fashion Network
23-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Prada scandal proves the power of India's troll army
Historically, the sandals were produced for specific communities. For farmers who worked in the fields, they were robust and able to withstand wear-and-tear; for the courtier class and nobles they were more delicate and ostentatious. In 2019, the footwear was awarded the Geographical Indication status, viewed as a mark of authenticity. (Other Indian items to have received this tag include Darjeeling tea and Alphonso mangoes.) But Prada didn't credit India for the designs, prompting a brutal social media backlash. The nationalistic sentiment whipped up by this controversy boosted sales of the traditional sandals. The country's online community is renowned for its digital ferocity — it accused the brand of cultural appropriation, and the furor forced the fashion house into damage control mode. It issued a statement saying it recognized the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The luxury brand's experience is a reminder that in India, foreign firms have to be aware of how reputational risk could affect future revenue. Internet penetration is rising, with 55% of the population connected. Social media is growing fast, too: It's estimated the world's most populous nation is home to 462 million social media users. India is a rising global power, one international brands are keen to break into. But local and foreign firms face various challenges: Bureaucracy, shoddy infrastructure and unique consumer behaviors that include a fierce defense of India's rich heritage. All of these factors require a tailored approach. Success in the market lies in the ability to balance local authenticity and global appeal — and the willingness to 'learn to love and speak to India,' as Francois Grouiller, chief executive officer of the luxury consultancy IndLux recently noted. Foreign brands can't afford to ignore India's luxury market, which reached $7.74 billion in 2023, and is projected to approach $12 billion by 2028, a recent Kearney report notes. Other estimates predict the sector could more than triple by 2030, growing to upward of $85 billion. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — people with a net worth of at least $30 million — is expected to grow by 50% by 2028. These forecasts come with the obvious caveats — most notably, there is still a huge wealth gap in the country. While the 100 million wealthiest people are splurging, 400 million of their middle-class counterparts have cut back. Global economic conditions are becoming less supportive, as US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel trade tensions and put pressure on future growth. Still, viewing consumers as a long-term opportunity rather than just a short-term play would help these firms thrive. Even more important is understanding that India is home to a diverse market with distinct needs. Some brands have grasped this already — high-end jeweler Bulgari SpA offers a pricey Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women — tapping into the desire for luxury with home-grown sensibilities. The Italian brand is not the first — and neither will it be the last — to fall foul of cultural norms. Earlier this year, Gucci made the mistake of calling Bollywood star Alia Bhatt's custom-made sari-lehenga (a fusion of the traditional sari with a long skirt) a gown. Another online frenzy was set off in May, when a viral social media trend was criticized for calling the dupatta — a traditional South Asian shawl — a Scandinavian scarf. Prada doesn't own any retail stores in India, depending instead on the super-rich diaspora and wealthy Indians who travel overseas. But the firm — which has seen its shares lose about 30% since February as investors took fright at its purchase of Versace — isn't taking any chances. In a conciliatory move, it's now working with traditional artisans to understand the history behind the famed Kolhapuris. The luxury fashion house has learned the hard way that cultural fluency is no longer a 'nice to have'— it's central to business survival.
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
When Global Luxury Looks To India, Homegrown Brands Set The Tone
Last Updated: As global luxury looks to India, it's homegrown brands that are setting the pace with authenticity, heritage, and modern vision. Global luxury is no longer merely inspired by India – it's embracing it with open arms. From Dior's grand Mumbai runway and Prada's Kolhapuri-style sandals to Bulgari's Mangalsutra line and Louis Vuitton's Deepika Padukone-led campaigns, Indian heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural icons are no longer side notes, they're the main attraction. Yet, while international houses are borrowing liberally from Indian aesthetics, it's India's own homegrown labels that are redefining the narrative – authentic, rooted, and unapologetically visionary. As Indian artisanship finally takes center stage and celebrities become global fashion ambassadors, India isn't just influencing luxury anymore. India is luxury. Homegrown Heroes: The True Tastemakers While global brands reinterpret India through a Western lens, Indian designers are shaping a movement from within infusing modernity into tradition, and storytelling into style. These labels aren't just riding the trend; they're defining it. Crafting sarees that feel like heirlooms with a modern edge, Teejh blends regal silhouettes with everyday wearability. Their festive drapes are an ode to Indian femininity—fluid, fierce, and timeless. Co-founder Maya Varma shares, 'When global luxury looks to India for inspiration, it's a reminder of the quiet power our traditions hold. Prada turning to Kolhapuris, Louis Vuitton drawing from auto-rickshaws, Dior's Mumbai runway—this isn't a trend. It's a cultural shift. India is no longer the moodboard; it's the moment. At Teejh, we don't see the saree as just traditional wear, it's a global silhouette. It's not about Westernizing it, but about the world discovering how versatile it already is." Aabharnam Foundation More than just a fashion label, Aabharnam is a purpose-driven movement. Focused on reviving the ancient craft of Banarasi weaves and supporting tie-dye traditions native to Gujarat and Rajasthan, the brand weaves sustainability, heritage, and social upliftment into every thread. Saundh Saundh captures the soul of Indian craftsmanship and dresses it in contemporary silhouettes. Their boho-ethnic collections—marked by modern cuts, relaxed fits, and artisanal prints—bring Indian elegance to a global, comfort-first wardrobe. trueBrowns At the intersection of nostalgia and new-age design, trueBrowns stands for minimalist Indian wear. Their fluid, fuss-free silhouettes in airy fabrics evoke timeless drapes reimagined for the urban woman—elegant, understated, and versatile. Hiranya Built on the values of slow fashion, Hiranya works with ethically sourced handlooms and artisan-led processes. Every piece is a canvas of tradition, sustainably crafted and consciously styled for the modern wearer. top videos View all These brands aren't mimicking the global gaze—they're crafting their own. As luxury's spotlight shifts to India, these homegrown labels are showing the world that the future of fashion may well lie in our roots. They don't just borrow motifs—they live the legacy. They don't chase trends—they create culture. Because when luxury turns its eyes to India, it's these authentic, ground-up voices that lead the way. About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 10:18 IST News lifestyle When Global Luxury Looks To India, Homegrown Brands Set The Tone Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Prada credits the traditional ‘Kolhapuri' sandal amid backlash
NEW DELHI/MILAN: Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design after the debut of the open-toe footwear sparked a furore among Indian artisans and politicians thousands of miles from the catwalk in Italy. Images from Prada's fashion show in Milan last weekend showed models wearing leather sandals with a braided design that resembled handmade Kolhapuri slippers with designs dating back to the 12th century. A wave of criticism in the media and from lawmakers followed over the Italian brand's lack of public acknowledgement of the Indian sandal design, which is named after a city in the western state of Maharashtra. Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada's owners, responded to the sandal scandal in a letter to a trade group on Friday recognising their Indian heritage. 'We acknowledge that the sandals… are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,' Bertelli, Prada's head of corporate social responsibility, wrote in the letter to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, seen by Reuters. The sandals are at an early stage of design and it is not certain they will be commercialized, but Prada is open to a 'dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans' and will arrange follow-up meetings, he wrote. A Prada spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the sandal's inspiration from India, adding the company has 'always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions'. Prada products are beyond the reach of most Indians. Its men's leather sandals retail for $844 and up, while the Kolhapuri slippers, sold in Indian shops and street markets, start at about $12. India's luxury market is small but growing fast, with rising numbers of rich people buying Louis Vuitton bags, Lamborghini cars, luxury homes and watches. Conversely, Indian culture and crafts are increasingly finding their way into global brand designs. High-end jeweller Bulgari offers a $16,000 Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women. Bertelli's homage to Indian design was sent in a response to a complaint from the head of the trade group that represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, as the online uproar gathered momentum. 'From the dusty lanes of Kolhapur to the glitzy runways of Milan… will the world finally give credit where it's due?' India's DNA News posted on X. Sambhaji Chhatrapati from the Kolhapur Royal family told Reuters by phone he was upset that craftsmen had not been acknowledged for the 'history and heritage of 150 years.' Kolhapur-based businessman Dileep More, however, said images of the Prada sandal were bringing cheer to some artisans as they show their traditional product going global. 'They are happy that someone is recognising their work,' he said.
