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Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chirag writes to PM demanding PM Mitra Yojana in Bhagalpur
Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (RV) chief and Union minister has written a letter to PM Narendra Modi, requesting him to select Bhagalpur for a textile park under the Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region & Apparel (PM Mitra) Yojana as the district is known for its famous silk and has more than 50,000 weavers' families directly or indirectly still engaged with their old profession. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chirag has requested the PM to declare Bhagalpur a silk industry hub under the PM Mitra scheme. "Bhagalpuri silk should get global recognition so that the region can also move ahead on the path of Bihar First-Bihari First," the LJP (RV) posted on X. "A textile park in Bhagalpur will connect the culturally rich heritage with the modern economy and provide the region a new pace of development," Chirag wrote to PM Modi on Thursday. Chirag, in his letter, said that the inclusion of a historical city like Bhagalpur in the will not only give a new direction to the economic development of Bihar, but will also prove to be an important contribution towards creating a self-reliant India. Under the PM Mitra scheme, mega textile parks will be built at seven places in the country to promote the textile industry. The states that have been selected for the scheme so far include Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Bihar did not figure in the list despite Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh being the Union textile minister. In his letter, Chirag mentioned the Bhagalpur's specialities like traditional handloom, use of natural dyes, and high quality Tussar silk weaving. "But, unfortunately, global technological advancements and lack of organised infrastructure have taken the sheen off this region. Small weavers still do not have direct access to markets, financial support and technological upgrade. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If the required industrial infrastructure is provided to them in time, Bhagalpur can become a leading hub for India's textile exports not only in the country but also on the global platform," the Hajipur MP wrote. Replying to a related question recently about why Bihar did not get a textile park, Giriraj said it had been given to those states which fulfilled the criteria. Earlier, Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh had also made a similar request to PM Modi in April this year.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
If I'd memorised saree names like my sis, I'd be a judge
My relationship with sarees is passionate… but like all passionate things, slightly chaotic. I adore them. I admire their weaves, their weight, their sweep as I walk past a mirror. But ask me what kind of saree I'm wearing, and I usually look blank. 'Wow! Beautiful saree… what's it called?' a colleague once asked, eyeing the leafy green one I had on. 'Um… cotton?' I ventured, with the confidence of a student bluffing through an exam. My sister, who was on a video call later that day, nearly choked on her tea. 'That's a Mangalgiri, you silly noodle!' she exclaimed. Ah yes. Of course. Mangalgiri. A name I instantly forgot again five minutes later. You see, my sister is a walking, talking loomopedia. She can identify an Uppada from across the room. She can spot a fake Kanjeevaram like a jeweller spots glass. She once corrected a saree seller in Odisha mid-sentence and ended up getting a discount for 'expertise.' I, meanwhile, am still trying to remember whether it's Ikkat or Ikat… and what a Bomkai even looks like. Sarees are like songs to me… I might forget their names or the exact raga, but I can hum them with heart… and I always remember how they made me feel. My wardrobe is kind of a colourful mess of all the gorgeous weaves and fabrics India has to offer. There's a deep maroon one that crackles like fire when I move… I call it 'that Diwali sari'. There's a faded blue I wear when I want to feel like a breeze… 'the beachy one'. And there's a rich mustard-and-black beauty that I only wear on days I feel unstoppable… 'Boss Lady sari'. No one tell me it's actually a Chanderi… I don't want to ruin the nickname. In fact, I am my own boss. Then another one, I really don't know what saree it is… but I named it 'Happening Saree.' This drives my sister nuts. 'That's a Patola from Gujarat! Do you even know how it's made?' 'Nope,' I smile. 'But I do know it makes me feel like I can win a courtroom drama single-handedly.' She rolls her eyes. I shrug. It's our thing. Sometimes I tell her, 'If I had memorised saree names the way you have, I'd have become a judge or a magistrate by now!' And then I laugh wholeheartedly, while she mutters something about wasted potential and museum tours. Every few weeks, I call her while folding my sarees and hold them up like I'm about to take some saree quiz I never studied for. 'This one?' 'Tussar from Bhagalpur.' 'And this?' 'Kota Doria, obviously!' I nod like I've learnt something life-altering… and then promptly forget it all by the next festive season. But here's the thing: I may not always remember the name of the weave, but I remember how it felt. I wore the blue one when my story made the front page. Or maybe it was the gold one. Either way, I felt like a queen that day. The pale yellow one I wore when I met someone I didn't expect to like, but ended up loving. The unusual printed cotton I wore through an unforgettable summer… 2019 I think, and a string of quiet, eventual little wins. Then there's the creamy silk with a light green border, an heirloom from Maa's family loom. I wore it at Siddhi's place, where I met friends who have since become like family. To me, that's the real magic of a saree… not the name or the label, but the life it lives with you. So yes, I will continue to forget names and mess up pronunciations. Is it Paithani or Pochampally that has the peacocks? I can never keep it straight. Maybe both? Who knows… my sister, probably. And I think Benarasi is a mood, not a place. But hey, I'll still do it all… wrapped up in six yards of whatever confidence and grace I can manage. And if anyone asks me what I'm wearing? I'll just say, 'Grace.'
India Today
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
A rooted revival: Traditional woven saris get a Gen Z twist
Elegant, classy and timeless, saris have a charm of their own. Be it a Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Chanderi or Tussar silk, each weave and style tells its own story and lends the wearer an edgy appeal. Wearing saris has always been popular with the fashion conscious; and now, millennials and Gen Z are bringing a refreshing and modern perspective to traditional woven saris while appreciating their rich cultural fusion of traditional woven saris with modern elements, such as crop tops, asymmetrical blouses or even jackets, allows them to maintain the elegance of the woven fabric while incorporating a fresh, youthful vibe. So, pairing a classic Banarasi sari with a structured, modern blouse or a Kanjeevaram sari with a chic, minimalist crop top is a trendy and Gen Z are even reworking classic draping styles with modern touches. Imagine the Maharashtrian drape, pant style drape or Bengali drape giving a fresh, comfortable twist to traditional styles. They might, for instance, opt for a more contemporary way to tie the Kanjeevaram or Banarasi sari, draping it over pants or adding pleats that give it a sleek, polished NINE YARDS Social media influencers and celebrities have also played a big role in making saris trendy again. According to Nishant Malhotra, founder and CEO of WeaverStory, a handmade artisanal textiles brand, 'Millennials and Gen Z are embracing saris, especially for special occasions. They are experimenting with unique draping styles, pairing saris with crop tops, belts or sneakers to give them a modern twist.'Bollywood stars, such as Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor, have frequently showcased traditional woven saris with modern twists, which has encouraged Gen Z and millennials to embrace these fabrics more confidently. Their outfits often feature traditional woven silks paired with contemporary accessories, such as sneakers, statement jewellery and minimalist bold colours are popular choices among the young. Traditional woven saris that once came in more muted or rich colours are now being embraced in playful and vibrant hues, such as pastels, neon pinks and electric blues. 'Young fashion enthusiasts might wear a Kanjeevaram sari in a bright, unexpected colour, such as peach or lavender for a daytime event, or a Banarasi sari with unique motifs and colours, combining traditional weaving techniques with fresh hues,' says trend is where millennials and Gen Z are drawn to vintage-inspired fashion, and this extends to their love for traditional woven saris. They often look at retro influences for styling and accessories, reviving old-school Bollywood looks or traditional south Asian silhouettes. A vintage-inspired Ikat sari styled with retro accessories, such as statement sunglasses, a sleek clutch, or a bold lip colour, brings a nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach to the traditional MEETS MODERNWhile traditional woven saris are often seen as a formal attire, the younger generation is adapting them for casual or semi-formal events. They are also using saris for day-to-day wear rather than just for weddings or grand occasions. 'Pairing a lightweight Banarasi sari with a simple, casual blouse or opting for a Patola sari with a simple, everyday top can make it more wearable for office settings or informal gatherings,' says and Gen Z are embracing saris in creative ways, often mixing old and new to suit their personal styles. The key to the popularity of saris among the young lies in the fusion of tradition with modernity, making saris relevant and stylish in the contemporary fashion to India Today Magazine
