Nationality should not come in the way of supporting a social cause. This was proved by Lala Textiles from Pakistan and Richa Maheswari Films and Photography this past week when the two came together for Silencing the Dark campaign in association with National Association For The Blind that supports blindness awareness by pledging to donate eyes.
The event started with a two minute documentary which focussed on blindness awareness and how efficiently technology could help tackle disability. This was followed by a fashion show where 20 models from different countries walked the ramp with 10 visually-challenged kids from NAB. It was followed by the launch of a calendar which endorsed the issues of the blind.
A three year old company, Richa Maheshwari Films and Photography takes a social cause blends it with fashion and brings it to the lime light in order to create awareness. This year they have taken blindness awareness. “There are so many myths in our society regarding eye donation. Like if you donate your eyes this birth, you will be born blind in the next one. This event breaks these myths and makes one believe that even in the face of adversities, humanity should keep its flag flying,” says Richa.
The problem is prevalent in South Asian countries and that’s why the company tied up with their client Lala textiles, a 66-year-old ethnic wear company from Pakistan to promote awareness in SAARC countries. “The event is not for commercial purpose. It is dedicated to the NAB to make these young models feel special and equal.” adds Richa.
For Preetu Singh, Dolly Pal and Komal, the blind kids who walked the ramp, it was the first time they did something like this. “We practised only for two days and we can’t believe this is happening. Wearing black heels and fashionable dress was a dream come true for me,” says Preetu Singh. These girls have dreams of pursuing a degree in music from Delhi University.
Prashant Ranjan Varma, Joint Secretary of the NAB, says, “There are 285 million blind in the world and this event is to raise awareness for the need of eye donation where even the donator lives after his death. This event involves no commercial transaction. The idea is to raise awareness and generate a new experience for our children. We agreed to tie up with a Pakistan firm to tell people that we are united in a social cause.”
