Every woman has a story. Most have been lost in history with the time. Sarees have long been the oldest garment on the face of Earth. This garment carries the stories we lost, the stories we’ll gather in nine yards of fabric from millions of women. Kankatala campaigned this women’s day to get the dynamic stories heard so they don’t get lost in history and stay with us till we get lost in history.
Kankatala celebrates this women’s day by highlighting 8 real-life women as the ‘Heroes in Sarees.’ These heroes have remarkable stories. Read on to learn about them.
Mrs Suchithra Balasubramanian
Meet the award-winning vocalist and Harikatha Exponent Suchitra Balasubramanian, who succeeds in everything she does, even in a saree!
Suchitra has dedicated her whole life to music and Harikatha. She has trained as a vocalist since she was 3 years old and has received more than 32 awards for the talent she honed so passionately.
She has represented Indian Classical Music and shared Harikathas around the world. She turned her passion into her profession, inspiring a whole generation through her art.
“I have a long way to go. Classical Music, Harikatha, and God are my passions.”- Suchitra
She stands as a symbol with a message: Culture is freedom, not a constraint.
Sadhna Singh
Showcasing Sadhna Singh, a supermodel turned animal activist and social worker, achieving unique milestones in a glamorous saree!
Sadhna is an ex-supermodel, a leading makeup artist, and an active social worker. She is an all-rounder who gracefully executes different roles. They call her ‘Voice of the Innocent,’ as she tirelessly dedicates her time and resources to caring for animals.
“I live to love. Someone who finds love and compassion in the welfare of animals is already living in heaven surrounded by angels. I live to care for the ones who give me selfless love.” – Sadhna.
Olly Esse
Olly Esse is the main character in a saree! Meet Olly, an international DJ. influencer and creator!
With a rags-to-riches fairytale, Olly dominates when it comes to blending electrifying EDM music and her love for sarees. She began her journey in India, starting from scratch and eventually emerging as one of the most popular DJs. She also keeps her career evergreen by being a lifestyle influencer and content creator while creating an impact on her huge fan following.
“The Honour of every woman lies in loyalty to herself in primis. There’s no one else you will be with 24/7. Learn how to be committed to yourself first,” says Olly.
Olly is draped in Kankatala’s Handpicked Kanchipuram Kalamkari saree hand painted with Nartaki.
Dr.Anjali Adinath
Introducing Dr. Anjali Adinath, a Breast cancer surgeon who saves lives in sarees and heels!
“Aim to make a difference in someone’s life every single day, including your own”, says Dr. Anjali.
Dr.Anjali Adinath has performed complex surgeries for more than a thousand cancer patients, including around 200 women who have been fighting breast cancer. With a mind of stone and heart of ambition to help, Dr. Adinath continues to be on the front lines in the war against cancer.
Her zeal and compassion towards her patients is what makes a woman with a brave heart.
Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Meet Dr. Amrita Rajpal, an Edu-preneur who does it all in a saree!
“A teacher has to learn to teach, and when she teaches, she learns. I’m grateful for being a teacher for over 25 years and for learning the most valuable lessons of my life through this journey,” says Dr. Amrita.
Dr. Amrita is the founder of Edu Learn Grow and the co-founder of the ABCD show. She has spent the last 25 years working in the edu-tech sector to improve the lives of early learners. Her dedicated work towards childrens’ education and ambition to bring a change continues to inspires those who look upto her.
Siddhi Manerikar
Here stands Siddhi, a professional rock climber and international athlete in our beautiful Handpicked Fusion Paithani cotton Saree.
She is ranked 28th in the Asian Youth Championship, making her the first female Indian athlete to be ranked internationally in rock climbing. She is India’s pride, having won multiple international records.
“Even women can beat gravity as well as men. There’s no excuse to not excel!” says Siddhi.
Siddhi’s hard work and resilience got her from climbing the trees in her local district to being the first woman who ranked internationally for rock climbing in India.
Mrs.Nirupa Bhatt
Meet Nirupa Bhatt, an expert in the gems and jewellery industry and Managing Director of the GIA!
“Success is gender neutral. Passion and Perseverance are key to success. Live your dreams. Setbacks are part of the journey to your destination”, says Nirupa.
Nirupa came from a family of engineers. She is a hero to be able to break the glass ceiling of cultural biases and make a change for the women to come after her.
Nirupa is the face of India in the gems and jewellery industry. She has successfully entered a male-dominated industry and shown everyone what a woman can do. She is the comeback in the face of patriarchy.
Ashwini Narayan
Introducing Ashwini Narayan, a handloom artist and expert in draping sarees! Draping sarees is an art, and Ashwini is the artist! There is no material or fabric that Ashwini cannot drape. She breaks the norms every day with her incredible creativity, and she does it in a uniquely draped saree.
“Why limit a woman or a sari to a single definition? Breaking stereotypes, one drape at a time – the sari is here to stay as the garment of the future”, says Ashwini.
She stays unbothered and free spirited, styling sarees the way her heart desires.
Conclusion
Every woman is a hero in saree. Saree not only stands as a garment with cultural importance but also resilience, heroism and the magnificence of women. Through the motivational journey of these women, we aim to inspire you to stay true to yourself and be the best versions of yourself. Success is important, but so is empathy, love and giving back to the society. Kankatala stays loyal to its cause of empowering women and encouraging the heritage of sarees.
