Former women Naxals from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region took an unusual step towards their new lives when they walked the ramp at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur, drawing applause from the audience.
The women, who had earlier been associated with Maoist groups and lived in the forests of Bastar, showcased traditional handloom attire during the fashion presentation. Their appearance was presented as a symbol of rehabilitation, livelihood opportunities and reintegration into mainstream society.
Dressed in traditional handloom creations, including locally produced textiles such as Kosa silk, the former cadres confidently walked the runway and highlighted Chhattisgarh’s rich weaving traditions. Reports said the event brought together the themes of handloom promotion and the rehabilitation of surrendered Maoist cadres.
The initiative comes amid continuing efforts in Bastar to provide surrendered Maoists with alternative livelihoods and help them rebuild their lives away from armed insurgency. Recent rehabilitation programmes in the region have included employment and skill-based opportunities aimed at helping former cadres become financially independent and reconnect with local communities.
The fashion show offered a different platform for the women, with their participation drawing attention not only to traditional handloom craftsmanship but also to the possibilities of rehabilitation and social reintegration.
National Handloom Day is observed on August 7 every year to recognise India’s handloom tradition and the contribution of weavers and artisans. The day also promotes the use of handwoven products and supports the country’s handloom sector.
For the women from Bastar, the event marked a striking contrast with their past, as they appeared before an audience not with weapons, but as participants in a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s textile heritage.