Page 26 - The Indian EYE 051724

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 17, 2024 | The Indian Eye 26

Saree Goes Global: Celebrating Cultural

Diversity in The Heart of Times Square

OUR BUREAU commented on the importance of
the saree to promote cultural diver-
New York, NY
sity, which is aligned to the work St.
n May 4, Saturday, in the bus- George’s Society of New York does to
tling heart of Times Square, support students, families and seniors
ONew York City, cultural di- from Commonwealth backgrounds in
versity took center stage as British New York City.
Women in Sarees partnered with This event was made possible
Uma to host the iconic Saree Goes through the support of the Consul
Global event. This celebration, held at General of India in New York, The
Father Duffy Square, Times Square, Mayor’s Office of New York City,
showcased the timeless elegance of Times Square Alliance, NYC Depart-
the saree through music, dance, and ment of Parks, and numerous local
a vibrant Saree Walkathon. This event cultural and community groups.
was supported by the Consulate Gen- In an exciting addition to the
eral of India in New York, Mr. Binaya event, Deputy Commissioner Dilip
Srikanta Pradhan. Chauhan of the Mayor’s Office of In-
Building on the success of in- ternational Affairs honored Dr. Rita
ternationally acclaimed events like Kakati-Shah and Dr. Dipti Jain on
the Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day and the behalf of New York City Mayor Eric
historic Saree Walkathon at Trafalgar Adams, with a Proclamation for their
Square in London, the Saree Goes work, further highlighting the signifi-
Global event brought together over cance of their contributions.
500 participants from at least nine dif- As the vibrant pulse of Times
ferent saree-wearing countries. This Square beat to the rhythm of the Sa-
spectacle was not just a celebration ree Walkathon, participants and spec-
of cultural diversity but also a plat- tators alike embraced the spirit of uni-
form to support artisans in rural India, ty and collaboration. In a world often
preserving traditional craftsmanship. divided, events like Saree Goes Glob-
Speaking at the pre-event press al serve as a powerful reminder of the
briefing hosted by the Consul Gen- strength found in our diversity.
eral of India in New York, Deputy British Women in Sarees is dedi-
Commissioner Dilip Chauhan of the cated to raising awareness of the saree
Mayor’s Office of International Af- Kakati-Shah, President of Uma Glob- New York City and beyond. while supporting handloom artisans
fairs expressed his gratitude to Dr. al, also provided remarks, highlighting Other dignitaries present at the in India through high-profile events.
Rita Kakati-Shah and Dr. Dipti Jain the importance of the saree as a sym- event included Ms. Shruti Pandey, Uma is a leading organization empow-
for their dedication and leadership bol of unity and the empowerment of Consul (Political, Press, Information ering underprivileged girls, youth, and
in organizing this magnificent event. women worldwide. and Culture) at the Consulate Gener- women through educational and cul-
He emphasized the significance of Dr. Jain, a Geriatrician by profes- al of India in New York, who shared tural resources, with a global presence
the saree in promoting heritage and sion, shared her passion for sarees and that the saree transcends borders with headquartered in New York City.
cultural exchange, echoing the city’s her commitment to raising awareness its versatility and beauty, not just in Dr. Dipti Jain, a passionate saree
commitment to inclusivity and eco- of this garment globally. Dr. Kaka- India, but across the globe. Dr. Jessi- lover, is Chairperson of British Wom-
nomic growth, particularly for Mi- ti-Shah, a medic turned entrepreneur ca Sims who represented the British en in Sarees and works as a Geriatri-
nority and Women-Owned Businesses and philanthropist, emphasized Uma’s charity, St. George’s Society of New cian in the UK. Dr. Rita Kakati-Shah,
(MWBEs). dedication to empowering underprivi- York, which was founded in 1770 President of Uma Global, is an entre-
Dr. Dipti Jain, Chairperson of preneur and philanthropist dedicated
British Women in Sarees, and Dr. Rita leged girls, youth, and women, both in predating the American Revolution, to empowering women globally.

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