Jamia Bazaar's second edition gets bigger, better

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) After the roaring success of the first season, the second edition of Jamia Bazaar is expected to witness wide participation from females in Jamia Nagar. The women and young girls are not only curious to learn marketing tools, but are also looking forward to associate with some big names from the fashion industry.

The three-day exhibition, which kickstarted here Saturday, is organised by social activist Sara Pilot and Lora Prabhu, her partner at their NGO - Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN).

Some of the highlights of the exhibition are embroidered kurtis and salwars, beaded bags, artefacts and other accessories made by the women of Jamia Nagar.

"It's been a great journey for all those who are associated with Jamia Bazaar from the initial days. This year, the event has grown by leaps and bounds. From 10 to 15 participants in the first edition, to 40 on the very first day this year...it's been tremendous! An average of 16 women regularly come to our center to know about marketing opportunity and they learn various skills," Pilot told IANS.

The launch of this year's Jamia Bazaar was graced by veteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi and Farooq Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who is currently the minister for new and renewable energy in the cabinet of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Pilot was all praises for Shabana, who is known for supporting several humanitarian causes.

"She (Shabana) is very helpful and supportive. She takes care of her father's NGO Mizwan where she works with women and gives them free training. One of the best things about her welfare society is that designers like Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre give orders to her ladies so she is now going to put Jamia Bazaar ladies in touch with those designers and help them find revenue," she added.

Shabana, dressed in Kashmiri jacket with matching salwar, appreciated the hard work of the participating women.

"We all know that women are equal to men in every field and this platform is giving women a chance to stand on their feet. The only thing they are lacking is an opportunity and I am sure that with Jamia Bazaar, they will get one," Azmi said.

The prices of the displayed pieces were kept minimal -- between Rs.50 and Rs.800, to attract customers.

This year, CEQUIN has started preparing women for product designing and quality control as well. They have collaborated with trained designer Usha Prajapati for the new initiative.