Ministry of Textiles
Convergence of Wellness and Nature: NIFT Gandhinagar's Awe-Inspiring AyurVastra Exhibition Driven by Mission LiFE
Unique and Innovative Design Collection Showcased by NIFT Gandhinagar at G20 Deputies and Health Ministers Meet
NIFT Gandhinagar, under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director of the institute, presented an extraordinary design collection show with the theme "AyurVastra - निरामयपंथ" at the prestigious G20 Deputies and Health Ministers meet. The event took place in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including His Excellency , Governor of Gujarat, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat , Hon’ble Union Minister for Health, Chemical and Fertilizers , Hon’ble Union Minister for Ayush  and Respected Director General World Health Organisation .
Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar explained that the design collection show, aptly named NIRAMAYAPANTH is a collection of 60 hand crafted ensembles - extending the spirit of thousands of years of Indian Wisdom marked by the idea of AAYURVASTRAM. Clothes and clothing for one’s purity and well-being has been an integral part of Indian thought as articulated in the ancient Vedic scriptures, particularly in the Upanayana  part of Hiranyakesi Grhya Sutra where a teacher offers clothing to his student. For thousands of years, the wholistic view of life is embedded in Indian thought and is embodied in Indian way of Life, echoing Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision for Mission LiFE - Lifestyle For Environment. Here, being िनरामया  is essentially being in oneness with one's own environment , where the actions of each individual involves protecting, nurturing, enshrining, generating and growing in harmony with nature - the Mother Earth, whilst producing an incremental effect inculcating Healthy Life. Nurturing Nature and in turn, being Nurtured by Nature: प्रकृित:रक्षितरिक्षता
NIFT Gandhinagar has curated this Cultural Fashion Show extending Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision on Mission LiFE and the corresponding concept of Ayurda  and Ayush  through Ayurvastram . A clothing that not only protects and nurtures one own body but also protects and nurtures one's environment. Today, in the midst of prevailing Global Warming and Climate Change, our Global Community has realised the importance of Sustainable Fashion and Life Style. While for thousands of years, Indian thought and wisdom as articulated in Vedic scriptures have emphasised on the interdependence and oneness of all beings, it is only through our mindful actions we may nurture a healthy earth and in turn a healthy life for all beings that is: One Earth, One Health – informed Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar.
There are five collections in total namely
1. Jannan.- Origin of Life - by Designer Anju Modi
2. Poshan.- Nurturing Life- by NIFT Gandhinagar
3. Rakshan.- Caring of Life- by Designer Payal Jain
4. Vardhan.- Flourishing Life- by NIFT Gandhinagar
5. Parayan.- Enshrining Life- by Designer Ritu Beri
Each of these collections incorporates the medicinal properties of indigenous plants & herbs, as prescribed in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge and Practice, while extracting the rich medicinal properties and colours from The fruits, flowers, leaves, bark and roots to create Ayurvastram that is the “clothing for the healthy lifestyle” - informed Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar.
 Janan- Origin of Life 
Fruits such as Gooseberry, Indian Blackberry, Pomegranate etc. have medicinal properties curing skin diseases, diabetes and asthma re-spectively. Using such fruits as natural dyes allows extending their medicinal properties into clothing through their colours ranging from pink to purple. The collection celebrates such colours and the idea of a seed as the giver of life by using traditional artisanal crafts such as Marori, Dori Embriodery, Khari Printing, Patch Work and Gotta Patti from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
 Poshan- Nurturing Life 
The leaves of the Indigo, Tarragon, Thyme, and Sage plants contain advantageous characteristics that treat skin illnesses, hypertension, digestive problems, and mental illness respectively. Using such leaves as natural dyes allowing to incorporate their therapeutic effects into clothing by using colours ranging from green to blue. Such hues, as well as the concept of sustenance and care, are celebrated by using traditional artisanal crafts such as Bagh Printing, Batik Printing, Ajrakh Printing, Bandhani, and Lehariya from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
 Rakshan- Caring of Life 
The bark of Sandalwood, Amaltus, Acacia and Mahuva plants com-prise medicinal properties curing headaches, skin diseases, fungal in-fections, wounds, diabetes and arthritis respectively. By employing such barks as natural dyes allows extending their medicinal properties into clothing through their colours ranging from red to rusting brown. The collection honours such colours and the notion of protecting and in turn being protected. This collection celebrates the craft of Dori Embroidery, Lace Making and Embroidery from Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu.
 Vardhan- Flourishing Life 
The roots of Turmeric, Mangistha, Ginger etc. have medicinal proper-ties curing psoriasis, leprosy and asthma respectively. Using such roots as natural dyes allows extending their medicinal properties into clothing through their colours ranging from yellow to orange. The collection celebrates such colours and the idea of vital power of life using crafts such as Mata ni Pachedi, Madhubani, Kalamkari and Pichwai painting from Gujarat, Bihar and Rajesthan.
 Parayan- Enshrining Life 
The flowers of Safflower, Champa, Saffron and Hibiscus have medici-nal properties curing hypertension, diabetes, depression and cardiac diseases respectively. Using such flowers as natural dyes allows ex-tending their medicinal properties into clothing through their natural and earthy colours. The collection honours the hues of the craft of Lace Making and Embroidery from Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
 The Tree of Life
By Bringing all the elements that are fruits, leaves, bark, roots and flowers together we form the Tree of Life - a Kalpa-Vruksha in order to fulfil our wishes for One Earth. One Health.
Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood highlighted that each phase of the show was meticulously crafted to embody symbolic elements: Fruits representing life's genesis and purity, echoed through vibrant PINK hues; Leaves signifying tireless efforts and nourishment, depicted in indigo BLUES; Roots embodying growth and longevity, depicted through the Green of 'Go-ahead'; Bark exuding protection and care, with hues of Red and earthy Browns representing power and consistency; and the Flower symbolizing life's absorption and devotion to Mother Earth.
The event garnered significant attention and appreciation from attendees, dignitaries, and spectators alike. NIFT Gandhinagar's artistic prowess and commitment to a sustainable future were evident, aligning perfectly with India's cultural richness and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision. – informed Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar.
The event is a testament to the remarkable talent, artistry, and ingenuity showcased at the G20 Deputies and Health Ministers meet. This event will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Indian fashion and a symbol of the nation's dedication to a sustainable future.
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