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World Saree Day Malaysia (WSDM) and the Malaysian Down Syndrome Association (PSDM) held an art and culture charity program at Dewan Tun Abdul Razak, Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, Kuala Lumpur on 19 March 2023.
The charity program was supported by the National Department of Arts and Culture (JKKN) and the Indian High Commission with the goal of educating the public about the uniqueness of the saree and channeling donations to PDSM to cover their expenses.
The event was attended by India’s High Commissioner, Mr. Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy, as well as orphanages and children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Mary, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Lagenda, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Lindungan Ikhlas.
PSDM is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 that has welfare volunteers who care for the development and fight for the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome (SD) throughout Malaysia by addressing their welfare, health, education, vocational career training, and employment.
The WDSM contribution to PSDM is intended to support the acquisition of additional equipment, vocational training expenses, and assist association members in becoming independent and successful entrepreneurs in the near future.
Over 60 Sarees on display
A fashion show at the event featured over 60 Sarees of various materials, textiles, and draping styles. Ten experienced models from PDSM and individuals with Down syndrome participated in the fashion show to showcase the sarees while also having the opportunity to improve their personal growth.
In an effort to raise awareness of the distinctiveness and fascinating facts about sarees, Bharat Club Kuala Lumpur also displayed 30 unique Saree materials and draping styles from 30 states spanning south to north India.
There was a raffle with a wide range of exciting prizes, including a trip to Langkawi, accessories, an exclusive Saree, and gold coins held at the event.
Additionally, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC) presented a distinctive Khatak dance, which uses the performers’ eyes and facial expressions to convey stories.
WSDM intends to make a social impact by encouraging the younger generation to continue to love and appreciate the arts and culture of Malaysia’s various races in this modern era when the culture of wearing saree among Malaysians is increasingly forgotten and often modernized.
“We chose to educate about the cultural heritage of the Saree because there are many interesting facts about it, one of which is that there are different types of Sarees, materials, and textiles all over India, and there are different ways of wearing them. It has been recorded that there are a total of 108 ways of wearing the Saree which makes it a unique garment.” said Bkay Nair, Director of World Saree Day.
Bkay Nair is also the Director of Bkay Nair Resources (BNR), a training and event planning company where she has personally trained many entrepreneurs in communication and career development.
As a philanthropist, Bkay was inspired to organize this charity program after being involved in various events and social service programs for women and children in need, such as the Soroptimist International Ampang and World Hijab International Day.
WSDM intends to continue its efforts to preserve Malaysia’s cultural diversity, as well as to encourage the public to dress in their respective traditional attire in order to foster unity among the various races while instilling a spirit of love and respect.
