Ekal Sangini 2023 – A unique lifestyle exhibition by Friends of Tribals Society (FTS) empowering Rural India

Kolkata, 31st July, 2023: Ekal Sangini presented its second edition of a unique lifestyle exhibition organised by the Friends of Tribals Society (FTS) – Mahila Samity along with its youth wing today at Taj Bengal, Kolkata. FTS is one of the largest NGO of India working since 1989, currently operating through 38 chapters across India with 37 Mahila Samities for the upliftment of rural community through its five-fold education system including Functional Literacy, Arogya, Development Education, Value education and Gramothan. Paving the path to a brighter future, some of the other major projects of Mahila Samiti includes Seva Patra, Kutir Udyog and Shabri Basti being their latest project.

The Ekal Sangini – A unique lifestyle exhibition was inaugurated by Jaya Rathore, Fashion Designer and was attended by: Sayantani Guhathakuta, Actress; Soumik Sen, Bollywood Director (Jubilee, Gulab Gang, etc.); Raajorshee De, Director; Mallika Banerjee, Actress; Rahul Dev Bose, Actor; Anuradha Kapoor, President- WICCI, Author, Poet & Film Director; Imran Zaki, President of FACES and many other eminent personalities.

Ekal Sangini is a perfect platform with a greater purpose to join hands with some of the biggest brands in the fashion, lifestyle and home decor industries. It was an exclusive platform bringing together eminent designers from the fashion fraternity and acquainting them with the mission of the organization. The funds raised through this exhibition will go to the various projects running under the supervision of Mahila Samity.

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Pratibha Binani, President of Kolkata FTS Mahila Samiti said, “We believe in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda – If a child cannot reach to education, education must reach to the child. That is the ultimate objective of Friends of Tribals Society, to stand by our rural brethren and contribute towards building a stronger nation. More than 57 luxury brands participated in this extravagant exhibition.” She also thanked renowned corporate houses and members from Mahila Samity who supported the cause as a sponsor.

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Pushpa Mundra, Vice President of Kolkata FTS said, “On behalf of everyone at Ekal, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support of our stall holders, visitors, influencers, guests, sponsors, members and entire team of FTS for being an an integral part of our mission. Their generosity and commitment to our cause has played a crucial role in enabling us to make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. These contributions have helped us implement various projects and initiatives that address pressing social issues and uplift the underprivileged in our community. As we move forward, we promise to remain steadfast in our commitment to make a lasting impact on society. We are confident that we can achieve even greater heights and touch the lives of many more in need with this kind of support.”

Some of the major brands that participated in this exhibition were: Arzo Couture Jewels, Zaza India, Flying Bird by Sonu, Label Prishi, Gleam, Wafe, Cre80Niti by Nikita Bagla, SR2 Bedding, Saraf Jewellers, Label Riwaaz, Sassora, The Decor Den, Selfie Studio, Laddu Gopal Creations, Mesh, Orange Couture, Ikahi, Kosa, Chocute Wear, Jyoti Poddar Rakhi, Label Anitas, Pen Specials, Alok Silver, Inkriti, Spread styles by Anjana Kalra, EduFun , Bric-A-Brac, Devasya, Aditi Agarwal Couture, Dramebaaz Co, Mulberry Blue and many others.

The organising committee behind the success of the exhibition included eminent names like:

• Mentors: Pratibha Binani, Pushpa Mundra, Ritu Agarwal.

• Core Team: Alka Modi, Kiran Saraogi, Karuna Lohia, Sheela Chitlangia, Lalita Kayan and Indu Dalmia.

• Youth Wing: Urvashi Rastogi, Nilam Patwari, Anushree Behany, Gaurav Bagla, Vikas Poddar, Abhay Kejriwal, Rachit Chowdhury and Rohit Bucha.