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India Fashion Awards and WION Embrace ‘Fashion for Good’
Mumbai: The fourth edition of the prestigious India Fashion Awards (IFA) is set to grace the stage on 7 and 8 March at the esteemed St. Regis Hotel, Mumbai. As the leading fashion award in the nation, IFA stands as a beacon, honoring the ingenuity and brilliance of fashion industry stalwarts. This year, in collaboration with WION, the event embraces the theme ‘Fashion for Good’, delving deep into the realms of sustainability that echos the progressive spirit of the fashion world.
‘Fashion for Good’ brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including fashion designers, textile experts, policymakers, artisans, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates. The campaign aims to facilitate meaningful conversations and solutions on the future of sustainable fashion in India.
IFA and WION come together for an enthralling two-day conclave, enhanced by an array of exciting additions. It’s not just about shining the spotlight on designers and models; IFA acknowledges the unsung heroes and artisans who form the backbone of the fashion ecosystem. From show directors to stylists, makeup artists to backstage managers, every stakeholder contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the fashion industry.
WION chief business officer Madhu Soman emphasized on the key purpose, stating, “As we embark on this transformative journey with the India Fashion Awards, themed ‘Fashion for Good’, I am reminded of the power of style to catalyze change. We firmly believe that fashion is not just about what we wear, but also about the impact we make. Through our collective efforts, let’s stitch together a narrative of sustainability and grace, where every design, every strut, becomes a testament to our commitment to a better, brighter future.”
Expressing his excitement about the upcoming edition, India Fashion Awards founder Sanjay Nigam said: “India Fashion Awards is a movement that aims to change the dynamics of the fashion industry. We plan to bring together every individual from the fashion fraternity transcending their distinct roles in the entire ecosystem, along with the ‘farm to fashion’ approach which talks about adding value in each step of the process– reflecting the true essence of sustainability.”
This edition features over 30 award categories, such as Designer of the Year, Fashion Stylist of the Year, Model of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year, Fashion Influencer of the Year and Fashion Photographer of the Year. The distinguished jury includes Lubna Adam, Candice Pinto, Leena Singh, Rochelle Pinto, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Raghavendra Rathore, Tarun Khiwal, and Aditi Srivastava. In addition to the jury, Daman Chaudhary will serve on the advisory panel.
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.
