Bhubaneswar, May 5: Day 4 of the INWEC National Women’s Business Mela 2.0 unfolded in a spectacular fashion, seamlessly blending entrepreneurship, design, and performance, with a vibrant celebration of women leaders shaping both the present and the future. As the Mela neared its final day, the stage was set for an evening rich in inspiration and innovation, showcasing the remarkable contributions of women to business and creativity.
The evening began with a visual recap of the first three days, evoking a strong sense of pride and purpose among the attendees. Special guest Subhendra Kumar Nayak, OAS, Special Secretary, Industry Department, Government of Odisha, graced the event, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering women-led enterprises and creative industries
The first fashion presentation, Suta, opened the runway with elegance, telling stories of womanhood, roots, and resilience through handwoven textiles. The show was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “From Threads to Thrive: Leveraging Fashion and Marketing to Build Sustainable Livelihoods.” Moderated by Swati Kejriwal, Co-Convenor of INWEC, the panel featured Taniya Biswas, Co-Founder of Suta; Poonam Guha, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, and Department of Excise, Govt. of Odisha; and Harmeet Sehra, CSR Head at Vedanta Limited. The session highlighted how fashion is driving rural empowerment and economic development for women artisans, especially in Odisha.
The spotlight then shifted to trueBrowns, which showcased its ethnic-chic collection that beautifully merged traditional designs with contemporary urban style. This was followed by the second panel discussion of the evening, “Designing the Future: Crafting Iconic Brands.” Esteemed female entrepreneurs Swagatika Das, CEO & Co-Founder of Nathabit; Udita Bansal, Founder & CEO of trueBrowns; and Sujata Biswas, Co-Founder & CEO of Suta, discussed the journey of turning local stories into global brands. Moderated by Tania Khosla, Founder and Creative Director of Orissa by Tania, the panel offered valuable insights into building brand loyalty, design identity, and scaling fashion ventures.
The evening continued with Fashion Show 3 by Sephalee, captivating the audience with modern styles deeply rooted in heritage. A lively flash mob by the Mandakini Dance Troupe brought energy and colour to the outdoor arena, celebrating freedom and movement through art. The celebration of creativity extended to the Brand Spotlight segment, where Anindita Gupta, Founder & CEO of Scenic Communications, presented her brand AnH—a powerful story of branding excellence led by a woman entrepreneur.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote conversation with Farah Khan Ali, India’s celebrated jewellery designer. Known for her luxurious and storytelling-driven designs, Farah shared her creative journey, personal battles, and commitment to crafting timeless pieces that celebrate individuality and heritage. In an intimate conversation moderated by Tanaya Patnaik, Editor of Sambad & Kanak News, Farah spoke of resilience, reinvention, and self-belief—messages that resonated deeply with the audience of entrepreneurs and creatives.
In a heartwarming moment, Farah Khan Ali, along with actor Archita Sahu, felicitated the bright young Kidpreneurs, emphasizing the Mela's focus on nurturing the next generation of dreamers and leaders.
The fourth fashion segment, Zubina, delivered a stunning visual narrative through contemporary silhouettes and traditional craftsmanship. The evening concluded with a fireside chat featuring internationally acclaimed designers Shantanu & Nikhil, moderated by Meghna Singh Deo, Chairperson of Ekamra Vatika. Their conversation, “Reimagining Heritage: Shantanu and Nikhil’s Art of Modern Craftsmanship,” captivated the audience with insights into merging legacy with modernity and craftsmanship with concept.
Their words left the audience inspired, bringing together fashion aficionados, students, and entrepreneurs under a unified vision: creating an India where culture and commerce walk hand-in-hand.
As Day 4 of the INWEC National Women’s Business Mela 2.0 drew to a close, the evening stood as a powerful testament to the strength, creativity, and leadership of Indian women in business. The Mela continues to be a celebration of both success and the bold journeys that lead to it. With one final day left, the excitement continues to grow.
