In a groundbreaking event that redefines inclusivity and challenges societal norms, Radio Udaan hosted the “Purple Runway of Dreams,” the first-ever national solo fashion show exclusively for visually impaired individuals. Held on February 17-18, 2025, at Jatt Bhavan in Panchkula, Haryana, this two-day convention marked a significant milestone in the fashion industry and the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
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Radio Udaan: Purple Runway of Dreams
Established under the Udaan Empowerment Trust, Radio Udaan is an online community radio initiative dedicated to empowering visually challenged individuals. Since its inception, it has served as a platform to raise awareness about disability rights, promote inclusion, and provide a voice to marginalized groups. The 8th Radio Udaan Convention 2025 exemplified the organization’s commitment to fostering growth and self-expression among the visually impaired community.
A Celebration of Talent and Diversity
The convention commenced with “Intezaar,” a poignant play written and directed by National Awardee Danish Mahajan. The performance captivated the audience, setting the stage for the following day’s highlight—the “Purple Runway of Dreams” fashion show. This event provided a unique platform for visually impaired participants to showcase their talents, unique styles, and personalities on the ramp, effectively challenging traditional beauty standards and societal perceptions.
Breaking Barriers in Fashion
The “Purple Runway of Dreams” was more than a fashion show; it was a transformative experience that shattered stereotypes. Participants, adorned in avant-garde designs crafted by Delhi-based fashion designer Anupam Taneja, graced the runway with confidence and elegance. The collection featured vibrant colors and bold patterns, specifically designed to resonate with the visually impaired, emphasizing texture and comfort. The event underscored that fashion transcends visual appeal; it’s a medium of self-expression accessible to all.
Recognizing Excellence
The fashion show featured competitions across various categories, acknowledging the exceptional talent of the participants. Winners were awarded cash prizes totaling ₹2 lakh. In the slightly visually impaired female category, Swati Singla secured the first position, followed by Aarti Manmode. In the male category, Buddha Lama clinched the top spot, with Dr. Hitesh Prasad as the runner-up. For the severely visually impaired category, Megha Gupta and Devaraju G emerged victorious in the female and male divisions, respectively, with Kritika Sharma and Maninder Singh as runners-up. These accolades celebrated not just their modeling prowess but their courage and determination to redefine societal norms.
Esteemed Guests and Supporters
The event garnered attention from notable dignitaries, including Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Chairperson of Jatt Bhavan Mr. Malik, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Praveen Prakash Ambashta, and State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Madhvi Kataria. Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of disability inclusion in mainstream platforms. The show was choreographed by renowned National Award-winning documentary filmmaker Beenu Rajpoot, ensuring that the event met professional standards while accommodating the unique needs of the participants.
Overcoming Challenges
Organizing such a pioneering event was not without challenges. The Radio Udaan team faced hurdles in securing funding, coordinating logistics, and ensuring accessibility for all participants. Raising awareness and convincing sponsors about the event’s significance required persistent effort. However, the team’s dedication, support from partners, and unwavering belief in the cause transformed obstacles into stepping stones. Event coordinator Jyoti Malik, herself visually impaired, emphasized the importance of showcasing that individuals with disabilities are equally glamorous and confident, aiming to break stereotypes associated with socialization and fashion.
A Vision for the Future
Buoyed by the event’s success, Radio Udaan envisions taking this initiative to an international platform. Founder and General Secretary Danish Mahajan expressed enthusiasm about reaching a global audience, collaborating with international organizations, and continuing to inspire individuals worldwide with their message of inclusion and empowerment. The “Purple Runway of Dreams” stands as a testament to the belief that fashion and confidence are universal rights, transcending barriers of disability and fostering inclusion in every facet of life.
The inaugural fashion show for the visually impaired in Panchkula was more than an event; it was a movement challenging societal norms and redefining beauty standards. Through platforms like Radio Udaan, the narrative surrounding disability is being transformed, highlighting that true beauty and confidence emanate from within and are accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities.
By – Jyothi
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