Sasmira starts initiative for under-privileged children

"This large network is being brought together by the Sasmira Alumni Foundation (SAF) to effectively work together in a coordinated manner towards hosting Texathon, an annual affair which is an effort to galvanise the alumni and others from the textile industry in a unique way for executing the world's 1st Textile Community Run, 'Texathon', scheduled for 9th July 2017," said Mahesh Bapat, secretary, SAF.

The Texathon property by SAF is world’s first and only run organised by the textile community. It stems from the experience that depicts the changing face of India. We, the textile fraternity can do a great deal in this generation by putting together our efforts. Who else but the clothing man can best make this happen," added Bapat.

"I am really very happy that SAF has put together this first of its kind event in the world which throws light on two key aspects, one is the cause of No Naked Child which means clothing for the under-privileged through the run and other is the physical fitness which takes a back seat in this otherwise glamorous world. Texathon thus aims to bring two energies together making it a memorable event for the textile fraternity," said Kavita Gupta, textile commissioner.

Charan Ahuja, project head – No Naked Child, SAF said, "Over the next 2 weeks, SAF proposes to have a collection centers at Sasmira and across places in Mumbai for students, alumni, textile companies and the public in general to give sparingly used clothing, fabrics and garment surplus for the cause of 'No Naked Child."

Joining hands with Goonj – an NGO recognised for its vast reach in addressing basic need of clothing through its various campaigns across the country, SAF will reach out to many helping hands to give their surplus to the No Naked Child cause. This will be done by way of financial contributions for spending on stitching of the fabrics as well as for sourcing surplus garments from the industry.

Anshu Gupta, founder-director, Goonj shared said, "For us the issue was that clothing was never considered an issue. Despite being in the list of 3 basic needs of human kind, it always remained a non-issue. For Goonj, clothing is synonymous of dignity. We don’t do charity with the most charitable subject which is clothing. Rather people work on their own issues under our nationwide initiative Cloth for Work and then are rewarded with clothes and other material. Goonj, which means ‘echo’ uses clothes as a resource. I wish Texathon all the best and we are certainly happy to work together on this campaign."

Bapat further added, "Texathon is aimed at the textile community, but it will be embracing all runners, professionals across the community and those wanting to make a difference by being a part of this first of its kind initiative and keeping alive the rich culture of textile sector." (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India