Manipal, May 2023: Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE organised a two-day unique exhibition, ‘Neyge’ which showcased special talks, documentary screenings, and workshops on Udupi sarees. The exhibition was held at Gandhian Centre, Manipal on 5th and 6th May and was inaugurated by Mrs. Indira Ballal, Philanthropist, at Gandhian Centre, MAHE. Mrs. Mamata Rai, President Kadike Trust, was the Guest of Honour, and Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor MAHE, presided over the inauguration ceremony. This was followed by documentary screenings and event also included an exhibition of Udupi sarees, a photo exhibition, a history corner, a Yakshagana Corner, and a sale of Udupi sarees by the weavers.
As a part of the Gandhi-King Exchange initiative, Neyge was launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The exhibition of Udupi Sarees aims to bring attention to the significance of sustainable fashion and conversations about conscious consumption.
Speaking about the inauguration, Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE commented, “This was an attempt to bring Udupi sarees which are close to the philosophy of nature, to the younger generation. We are proud to provide a platform that brought different scholars, academicians, and weavers together to share their ideas and promote sustainable fashion.”
Chief Guest, Mrs. Indira Ballal, Philanthropist said, “Reviving sustainable fashion is a challenging task. It was a delightful experience to be a part of the support system and bringing this closer to the younger generation.”
Mrs. Mamata Rai, President Kadike Trust said, “I am extremely proud to be a part of the movement that aims to combat environmental impacts such air pollution, water pollution, and climate change being caused by the fast fashion.”
Gandhi-King Fellowship has been awarded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, USA. The ultimate goal of the Gandhi-King Fellowship is to inspire and develop a network of aspiring young civic leaders from India and the USA to work together to advance civil rights, social justice, and inclusion locally, nationally, and internationally by exploring the history and legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lavanya N K, who is an alumna of GCPAS, MAHE and Roydon, a commerce graduate from Mumbai are the two recipients of Gandhi-King Fellowship who participated in the training program held at University of Alabama in 2022.