What did the world see on the 10th December! At the prestigious global event, the recipients of Nobel Prize, Indian-born American, Abhjit Banerji alighted the stage to receive his Nobel Prize in Indian Kurta and dhoti.
Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo opted for traditional Indian outfits while receiving the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. One of the most prestigious global event. This annual event, recognized for the immense intellectualism, unexpectedly stirred the fashion world .The Indian American Economist, Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee and his wife received Nobel Prize for economics. Our Nobel Laureate reverberated his respect and love for his culture when he walked to the concert hall Dias, clad in his scintillating traditional Indian ensemble where he combined a Muga Silk Satin Kurta detailed with pin tucks with gold Dhagaai with Gold Bordered Kerala silk dhoti, which he draped himself in the gorgeous traditional Bengali Style. This was further layered with black silk velvet jacket with mother of pearl buttons and beautiful printed silk lining.
Dr Banerjee’s dhoti-kurta, a nod to his Bengali origins, did not go unnoticed on Twitter. The 58-year-old was born in Kolkata and completed his MA in Economics at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He went on to do a PhD in Economics at Harvard University in 1988. The Nobel Prize committee shared a video of Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer receiving the award “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.” Abhijit Banerjee’s complete look was designed and conceptualized by globally renowned Indian Fashion Designer Suket Dhir who himself is a strong believer and promotor of Indian fabrics
During their meeting in October, Dhir resonated with the deep cultural respect that Abhijit Banerjee holds to his heart. It was crystal clear that he wanted to represent his culture on this prestigious global stage.
“Abhijit told me that he is much more comfortable in a dhoti than a tail coat and if given a choice he will wear his national dress” says the designer Suket Dhir.
The supremacy of Indian Style was further glorified by Esther Duflo. The French-American Economist who shared the Nobel Prize with Husband Abhijeet wore a splendid sea-green and blue silk sari combined with a fuchsia blouse. This will be marked as bigger fashion revolution because France has been dictating global fashion trends for rest of the world. A French woman endorsing an Indian traditional ensemble, established its vivacious global appeal even more.
The Nobel Prize winner, Abhijit Banerjee, asserted his deep cultural connection with his roots. And the entire world watched how Indians are culturally emancipated. The fashion fraternity around the globe wrote volumes about this power dressing of Indians.
One can go back in history to see that Gandhiji appeared before the King of England, wearing a Khaddar dhoti, a pair of the plainest sandals, and an ordinary blanket. The simplicity and humility of his dress presented a striking contrast to the glory and pomp of the royal palace in 1932. Gandhii made a loud fashion statement to the world by doing so.He didn’t bother even if was rebuked by the King as the “half naked fakir”.
Echoing our glorious history and deep-rooted culture, one cannot miss out on Swami Vivekanada who gave a spell bounding speech in Chicago in his orange Kurta, Dhoti and Pagrior. Queen of Pop, Usha Uthup, with her trademark bindi, south-indian Kanjeevaram silk saree and bangle has been enthralling her international fans. In the last 50 years, she never compromised on her Indian traditional saree, even if it was meant for international audience. The Fashion books are redefining power dressing. This up heaving wave arises out of a very strong influence of clothing that amalgamates traditional Indian culture with global sophistication. The Fashion books are redefining power dressing..
There is no denying that the entire world is looking at India for solutions. Why, because India still follows strong traditions and deeply rooted in values, pure Indian fabric, Ayurveda and Yoga.
(The writer is a recipient of two National Awards)
