Ranchi: Ankita Banka of Marwari College inched a step closer to her dreams of becoming a fashion designer as she took home a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for designing a unique Indo-western dress.
Besides Ankita, Smriti Rajiv of Ranchi Women's College and Shireen Shaheen of International Institute of Fashion Design (Ranchi) also bagged cash prizes of Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500, respectively, for securing the top three positions at a programme organised by Jharkhand Rajya Khadi evam Gramodyog Board on Tuesday.
Clothes designed by 45 fashion designing students were put to display during the programme held on khadi board office premises on Ratu Road on the occasion of National Handloom Day
Khadi board had handed over handloom clothes to fashion designing students across Ranchi and they were asked to create innovative garments of their choice. "The aim is to make khadi products more popular among the youths," said khadi board chairman Sanjay Seth.
While Ankita had stitched together a pale yellow kurti and dhoti pant to create a one-piece dress, Smriti had designed a yellow and pink top with umbrella sleeves and paired it with a printed trouser. Shireen designed a light blue floral printed top and a trouser and paired it with a bright blue cape.
"Today is one of my memorable day as I loved the appreciation I received for my dress," said Ankita.
"It's like a dream come true. Getting recognised for your own design is what we all fashion designing students dream of," echoed Shireen.
State art-culture and tourism minister Amar Kumar Bauri was present on the occasion and also handed over prizes and certificates to winners and other partic pants.
In another event, chief minister Raghubar Das inaugurated the week-long Kuchai Silk Expo and Jharkhand Fashion Yatra at hotel Chanakya BNR in Ranchi.
Fashion yatra saw 20 shortlisted models, including 10 men and as many women, walk the ramp wearing Jharcraft clothes.
"The youths across the state have the potential to make their presence in all fields, including fashion," said Das.
Model-actress Koena Mitra, singer Karan Singh Arora and Miss Femina India contestant from Jharkhand Steffy Patel, among others, were also present.
Kuchai silk expo will continue till August 13.
