In a vibrant celebration of women empowerment and cultural diversity, the Surat Saree
Walkathon garnered praise from none other than Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
This spectacular event, jointly organized by the Surat Municipal Corporation and Surat
Smart City Development Ltd., unfolded as a remarkable chapter in Surat's story
Setting out from the grand Police parade ground, a multitude of participants embarked
on a memorable journey, walking through the picturesque Parle Point and returning to
the pavilion. What made this walk truly exceptional was the colourful sea of sarees, each
representing a different region of our diverse nation. Women from every corner of India
graced the event in their traditional sarees, beautifully mirroring the tapestry of our
country's heritage.
Notably, this walk was not limited to the daughters of India alone. In a delightful twist,
students hailing from foreign lands, who were pursuing their education in Surat, donned
traditional Indian attire and sarees. They blended seamlessly with their Indian
counterparts, adding an international touch to the event. The underlying spirit was to
embrace Surat's rich textile heritage and wholeheartedly support the "vocal for local"
movement
Under the overarching theme of 'Health for All,' the Saree Walkathon aimed to promote
healthy living and create awareness about the perils of Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCDs). This event wasn't just about physical fitness but also about nurturing mental
well-being. More than 15,000 ladies, elegantly draped in colourful sarees, graced the
Diamond City Surat in Gujarat with their presence, uniting to make a resounding
statement about the importance of women's health, fitness and empowerment.
In an enthralling display of unity, participants even indulged in spirited dance moves to
the melodious tunes of Gujarati songs. Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways,
Darshana Zardosh, along with other eminent dignitaries, including Harsh Sanghvi and CR
Patil, joined hands to inaugurate this memorable Walkathon. Participants enjoyed
visiting the Handloom Exhibition Come Sale by weavers from all over India at Umra Party
plot by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India which was scheduled between
09/04/2023 to 11/04/2023.
This event wasn't just about walking; it was a collective step towards preserving
traditions, fostering health, and embracing the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage.
For the participants, it was a beautiful journey that showcased the essence of unity in
diversity, and for Surat, it was a proud moment to shine as the textile hub of India.
From colourful sarees to rhythmic dances, this event radiated the joy of community,
health, and culture, serving as a testament to the strength and vitality of Surat's vibrant
spirit. An event to remember, indeed!