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At the second edition of ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit 2024, renowned fashion designer Gaurang Shah and acclaimed Indian classical dancer Yamini Reddy shared their journeys of preserving and evolving India’s rich cultural heritage in textiles and dance.
In a session titled “Weaving a New Story: Updating Textile Traditions” Gaurang Shah reflected on his path from a saree enthusiast to being designer and a weaver. Committed to authentic Indian textiles, Shah shared, “People today want something original, something that represents our tradition.” He spoke of his approach to combining traditional techniques with contemporary designs, balancing heritage with innovation.
Expressing pride in Indian textiles and dispelling myths about their lifespan, Shah stated, “Our looms are part of our heritage. Our textiles are rich and versatile, we don’t need to copy the West. Handwoven fabric lasts longer because it is hand crafted and not machine-made."
The designer also highlighted South India’s immense potential for driving textile innovation. He remarked, “This region is rich in variety, creativity and innovation, making it the perfect place to lead the evolution of our textile traditions.”
In the following session titled “Sringara Rasa: Separation and Union,” three-time National Awardee Yamini Reddy, a celebrated Kuchipudi dancer, described dance as “meditation in movement.”
When asked about the importance of innovation within traditional dance, Reddy remarked, “As artists, we strive to bring our own flavor to the table. It’s our responsibility to preserve the heritage, but innovation is key to keeping it alive.”
With her students demonstrating the nuances of Kuchipudi, Reddy illustrated the intricacies of this pure dance form, stating, “The dance has its own language.” Regarding her approach to making Indian classical dance relevant for younger generations, she emphasized, “We need to connect the art form to the current generation by explaining its rich history and cultural context. I want them to see how timeless Kuchipudi truly is.”
The Southern Rising Summit 2024, hosted by ABP Network, India’s premier multi-language news platform, was conceptualized as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. In its second edition, this transformative summit convened on the theme “Coming of Age: Identity, Inspiration, Impact”, with the leading voices from politics, culture, and industry converging to celebrate South India’s remarkable journey and its influential role in driving economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.
