Mandala

Mandala

April 2023

INDIA’S PRIDE—Ryndia work of those who have woven it. It has always  been a team effort for DSEFH, and it is grateful  to the weavers who have made this possible.  

It is a matter of happiness for the entire team  that the fabric they chose to throw the spotlight  on is now being used by upcoming designers  from their state and that the state government is also promoting it and creating outlets to make it  available to more and more people. 

DSEFH has collaborated with the local weavers of  Meghalaya and developed the fabric, right from  the yarn stage, to elevate its properties. This is an  amazing effort that has incorporated traditional  methods of weaving, using different patterns,  designs, and vegetable dyes along with unique  aesthetics and modern technology.  ‘Protecting, Reviving, Uplifting’ is DSEFH’s  mission as regards the traditional fabrics  of Northeast India, mainly Meghalaya, and  Daniel promoting the traditional silk ‘Ryndia’ at a Notheastern fashion show Daniel Syiem, along with his friend  Janessaline M Pyngrope, began a label,  Daniel Syiem Ethnic Fashion House  (DSEFH), in Shillong, in 2011, to promote  the traditional silk called ‘Ryndia’ and many  

traditional handwoven fabrics of Northeast India. “This was not easy for it involved considerable  expenditure to travel abroad for a fashion show.  DSEFH tapped various sources, including the  government, worked hard, and sailed through,  garnering applause for the work it was doing to  promote the weaving community as well as the  Ryndia fabric.  

DSEFH believes deeply in its work and has a soul  connection with Ryndia. It treats this rich fab ric with immense reverence as it appreciates the  promoting their use by innovating them into  contemporary designer wear. It has ensured that  all its designs fit into modern needs and trends,  and that they are also eco-friendly. This is why it  has managed to remain a unique brand.  

Daniel grew up with a passion for designing  beautiful clothes. “The moment I see my collection  being worn by models walking the ramp, I know  that I have pulled off something brilliant.  Those moments always give me a high and will  always be special,” says Daniel. 

DSEFH’s dream is to go global and is current ly in collaboration with the Indo- French brand  Lecoanet Hemant for their upcoming Ramie Pro ject. Knowing their verve and passion, we shall  certainly hear much more about them soon. 

- By Jamuna Rangachari

Unleathering  the world  

Most of us wish to do something for the  environment but do not know what  to do. It is wonderful to see people  like Isha C and Alok Dhodapkart, from New  Delhi, take the right step in this direction. They  began Waraq in July 2023 with the vision of  contributing to the environment by building  a sustainable fashion brand as there weren’t  many available options in the market. They  saw this as an opportunity to do something  sustainable, so they created limited-edition  bags and accessory collections, using cruelty free and environmentally safe bio-composite  and organic materials. “With us, you don’t just  own a bag or an accessory; you own a piece of  art, with a story that is close to one’s heart, and  everyone also contributes towards building a  kinder planet!” they say with pride. Alok Dhodapkart, the man behind Waraq; a sustainable fashion brand Their efforts took some time, but they finally  succeeded in using sustainable bio-composite  materials made from coconut, cactus, cork, and  organic fabrics. As theirs was a unique venture,  they were thrilled and so were their friends and  families. 

It is often said that when one’s decision is right,  no matter how long it takes, it is worth it. This  is certainly applicable to them. It took them  almost two years to research vegan biomaterials,  identify seasoned manufacturers who could work  around innovative materials, and deliver high quality products. Another challenge was to find  suitable artisans who would be willing to give a  new brand their time and effort. As the field was  new to them, it took time for them to understand  the material and its changing behaviour while  undergoing manufacturing. Although every  day is a learning curve for them, they wish to  committedly pursue their choice and decision.  The customer interaction and appreciation have  proved to be rewarding.  

Pursuing art without harming the environment  is something we all would love to do, and Waraq  is showing us the way by doing this wonderfully.  They are present online as well as offline in  multiple cities, and they organise many events  around the country.  

Kudos, Waraq, for your efforts towards promoting  sustainable art! 

By Jamuna Rangachari 

NETWORKING NETWORKING for theenvironment 

We network based on our interests.  

Some of us network for business,  some for entertainment and some for  social causes. An environment lover, seeing the  chaos in the environment area, Robin Viegas  from Mumbai gets ideas by networking with  different NGOs. Then he and his family try  to implement those ideas in his building and  neighbourhood. He himself does plugging early  morning by picking up glass/pet bottles thrown  on the roads in the 100m radius around the  building that he lives in.  

What he collects he gives to either his building  Robin Viegas loves the enviornment and is dedicated to cleaning it housekeeping staff or someone who deals in  scrap. He has been turning all his household  wet waste into compost for the last 10 years.  He does this to reduce the waste going to the  Deonar landfill. Additionally, he networks with  Project Mumbai plastic Recyclothon drive and  mobilises people living in Kalina to join the  drive.  

He does not stop at networking with NGOs  alone. When the BMC had asked people to come  for discussion, he and his family were actively  involved and gave many clear and doable ideas  to the corporation.  

This Republic Day, he announced the success  of his drive aimed at reducing pollution and  told everyone, “We take utmost care so that the  spirit of the people who take extra step for sake  of the environment does not go to waste.” 

As of now, sustainability has become a buzzword  but not all are following it sincerely and herein  lies the challenge. Most companies are working  to have a sustainability effort as part of their  CSR by planting trees and adopting certain  rural areas to enable the world to remain green.  This alone would not be sufficient if everyone  is not involved. This is what Robin aims to  accomplish. 

Common citizens feel that they cannot do much  to change the situation, but this is not true.  Robin’s is a small step, in the right direction.  As a responsible citizen, he is showing the way  to all on how to be responsible green citizen. 

By Jamuna Rangachari