Manish Malhotra`s show raises funds for Indian literacy drive

London: Celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra`s unique show, which was graced by actresses Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta, raised over 300,000 pounds here for Indian education charity `Pratham`.

The theme for this year`s ARTiculate Ball, organised in London annually by Pratham`s UK chapter, was `100 Years of Indian Cinema`. Malhotra through his collection took the audience through the black and white era of ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and ‘Awara’ to the most current trends in Bollywood. "When a charity wants to work with you to spread awareness about such an important cause like education, as a privileged citizen who has been well-educated you can`t help but want to give the same opportunity to talented young children who have been deprived to get the same opportunities as we have has access to. "I hope my contribution tonight will make more celebrities want to be part of the cause," said the designer at the fundraiser. Penchant for his quintessential Indian designs, Malhotra`s cinematic catwalk was packed with a riot of Indian hues. "Manish`s designs, very simply, make you feel like a woman and it is always a pleasure to walk the ramp in one of his creations," said Basu. "Pratham is a fantastic cause being the largest children’s education NGO in India for the underprivileged it is empowering young children to have a better future. I am glad to be associated with them today and would love to show my support at future events too," she added. Model-actress Gupta said,"Children are the future of our nation, our world ? it is commendable that Pratham is doing such good work for the children that are usually deprived of opportunities." Proceeds from ticket sales for the event and an exclusive live auction were intended for the Pratham Institute, which focuses on providing young people with the employability skills needed to address India’s growing need for skilled manpower. "The key is access. The need for skilled workers in a rising economy is well known. That is where Pratham hopes to fill the gap," said co-founder and CEO Madhav Chavan. PTI Pic courtesy: @ManishMalhotra1