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Vantangiya Women: From Forest Dwellers to Fashion Stars
13 Jan
Summary
- Vantangiya women, once lacking basic identity, now confidently walk the ramp.
- Yogi Adityanath govt's Mission Shakti drives social inclusion and empowerment.
- Women aged five to 75 showcase talent at cultural events since Jan 2022.
Women from the Vantangiya community in Gorakhpur, who once faced significant marginalization and lacked essential identity documents like Aadhaar and voter IDs, are now gracing fashion runways with newfound confidence. This remarkable transformation is a direct result of the Yogi Adityanath government's Mission Shakti initiative, coupled with dedicated efforts from advocate Sugam Singh Shekhawat.
Since January 2022, these empowered women have showcased their talents at prestigious events including the Gorakhpur Mahotsav, Agra Mahotsav, and G20 cultural events in Kashi. A recent highlight was the 'Shagun Ki Raat' costume show at the Gorakhpur Mahotsav, which blended diverse cultural traditions and music through a modern fashion narrative.
The initiative has fostered social inclusion, enabling women of all ages, from five to 75 years old, to participate. Professional support from Lakme, L'Oréal, and Laxmi Creation has enhanced these presentations, symbolizing a broader empowerment movement within the community and across Uttar Pradesh.
