While the world chases fashion trends that expire in weeks, the saree remains the ultimate power move, commanding, timeless and effortlessly versatile, from the boardroom to festive occasions. It has long shed its ‘traditional-only’ tag and today stands tall as a symbol of high fashion.
RI District 3234 marked World Saree Day (Dec 21) with an elegant and imaginative fashion presentation that paid tribute to India’s timeless drape. Aptly titled Saree Symphony, the event saw the district’s women members take centre stage, showcasing the saree in its many avatars — from classical weaves and regional traditions to bold, contemporary interpretations.
A swirl of colour, creativity and culture, the event celebrated the saree not merely as an attire, but as a story of India woven into six yards of fabric. The ramp walk featured powerful thematic presentations expressed through innovative saree styling. One segment honoured India’s ‘warrior women,’ blending strength and femininity in regal woven sarees; another drew warm applause as a confident ‘Lady James Bond’ strode the ramp in a Kanchivaram saree paired with a modern denim blouse, boots and cowboy hat, playfully merging tradition with modernity.
It is inspiring to see Rotary women take the lead in honouring our heritage.
– Sumathi Muruganandam
Also interesting was a presentation by a traditionally dressed mother and her Gen Z daughter in a modern-styled saree, symbolising continuity across generations. The audience was also treated to vibrant portrayals of Lord Krishna and his mythological companions, as well as Shiva and Parvati, all draped in rich, ancient-style sarees that evoked the grandeur of classical India.
The Ragas in Drapes segment paid tribute to iconic women in music, showcasing distinctive saree styles associated with legends such as M S Subbulakshmi in her iconic ‘MS Blue,’ Usha Uthup, Lata Mangeshkar, Sufi singer Harshdeep Kaur and Vijayalakshmi Navaneethakrishnan. Another standout team brought alive the timeless elegance of yesteryear Tamil film artistes Savithri, Sripriya, Sowcar Janaki, Vanisri and Lata, evoking nostalgia and admiration.
DG Vinod Saraogi, commending the initiative, said the event beautifully blended art and culture. “The saree is a symbol of identity, dignity and pride. Today, our Rotary women have shown how tradition can be celebrated in meaningful and creative ways,” he said. His wife Usha Saraogi was the event chair.
Sumathi, wife of RI director M Muruganandam, praised the spirit of participation and fellowship. “It is inspiring to see Rotary women take the lead in honouring our heritage. The saree may be centuries old, but it continues to evolve, just like the women who wear it,” she said, appreciating the elegance, confidence and cultural pride displayed on stage.
The event was judged by noted danseuse Narthaki Nataraj, former Mrs Chennai Shruti Turakhia and fashion stylist Deekshita Nikkam. Punitha, wife of PDG J Sridhar, and Bharati, wife of PDG N S Saravanan, were the event advisors. The programme drew an audience of around 250 Rotarians, including spouses of past district governors.