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Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveils Tasva’s Ceremonial Dress for team India at Paris Olympics
Mumbai: Tasva, the men’s Indian wear brand by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. and celebrated designer Tarun Tahiliani has taken on the prestigious task of designing the ceremonial dress for Team India at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. The minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled the official ceremonial Dress for Team India in the presence of Indian Olympics Association President, Dr PT Usha.
Tasva is all set to bring to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, its fresh take on Indian traditional wear. The ceremonial attire draws inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of India and embraces a patriotic spirit reflected in the iconic tricolour palette of saffron, green, and white.
“We’re incredibly honoured to dress Team India,” Tasva chief design officer Tarun Tahiliani shared at the Kit Unveiling ceremony. “We worked closely with the Indian Olympic Association to create an attire that tells a story about India. The garments are designed to be visually captivating while also ensuring comfort and practicality. As our athletes make their grand entrance on a barge along the Seine for the opening ceremony, the airy, lightweight attire is perfectly suited for the summer warmth of Paris in July.”
“We want our athletes to walk out on the global stage feeling like they are ambassadors of Indian culture and heritage,” Tahiliani continued. “This is our dream — to see our traditions celebrated and honoured around the world.”
At the opening ceremony, Team India’s male athletes will wear a kurta bundi set while the female athletes will don an elegant saree with ikat-inspired digitally printed panels in saffron and green, blue buttonholes representing the Ashoka Chakra, with an ivory base which represents peace and unity. The look is completed with modern trainers adorned with traditional Benares brocade, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary fashion.
Tarun Tahiliani added, “This ceremonial dress beautifully combines classic Indian style with a modern, athletic touch. The kurta bundi set is crafted from lightweight moss cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort. The saree, a symbol of grace and cultural identity, is reimagined in viscose crepe for a natural drape and breathability, ensuring our athletes feel both elegant and comfortable.”
Sharath Kamal, who leads the Olympic Men’s Table Tennis team and the flag bearer of Team India at the Paris Olympics expressed, “Putting on this ceremonial dress was a powerful experience. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and connection to our heritage. The lightweight fabric just makes it ideal for the occasion.”
Tasva brand head Ashish Mukul echoed this sentiment: “The official ceremonial dress not only captures the essence of Indian style, it stands as a symbol of national pride and achievement, crafted specifically for those who have earned the honour of representing India on the global stage.”
Tasva not only celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage but also showcases the country’s modern, dynamic spirit to the world. As the athletes step onto the global stage, they do so in an attire that is a true reflection of the essence of India — timeless, vibrant, and ever-evolving.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
