The Maha Collab 2025, held on March 27th and 28th at the World Trade Center, Mumbai, orchestrated by Tisser Artisan Trust, World Trade Center, and the All India Association of Industries, captivated attendees with its dynamic celebration of Maharashtra’s collaborative legacy.
The two-day event began with the inauguration of the groundbreaking “Bin it to Spin it” initiative, a key project under “Circularity in Textile Value Chain.” This pioneering endeavor, supported by the Textile Ministry of India, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, SBI Foundation, IDH, and Tisser Artisan Trust, signaled a significant stride towards sustainable textile practices.
Mr. Sanjay Prakash, General Manager, SBI Foundation; Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner; Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder, Tisser Artisan Trust; and Smt. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai, graced the inauguration.
Shri Vijay Kalantri, Director, World Trade Center, and Dr. Megha Phansalkar, in their opening remarks, emphasized the importance of collaboration, setting the stage for the engaging discussions that followed.
The opening panel discussion, “Global Best Practices in Circularity & Women Empowerment in Indian & International Contexts,” featured an impressive lineup of international visionaries:
- Mr. Adolfo Garcia Estrada, Hon Consul General of Mexico
- Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra IAS, Commissioner, Ministry of Textile, GoI
- Mr. Martin Maier, Hon Dean of Consuls and Consul General of Switzerland
- Ms. Katerina Vovkova, Hon Consul General of Czech
- Ms. Shirani Ariyarathne, Hon Consul General of Srilanka
this pivotal session convened a constellation of international luminaries, each a vanguard in their respective fields, to illuminate the pathways towards a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.
Raell Padamsee’s Ace Productions delivered a compelling and resonant segment, “Showcasing Women Safety Initiatives and Empowerment. They illuminated the critical need for proactive measures in safeguarding women, while simultaneously celebrating their resilience and strength. The performance served as a powerful call to action, reminding attendees of the collective responsibility to foster a society where women feel secure and empowered to thrive.
The “Launch of Arohan Skilling Center- Aarohan,” a collaborative effort by World Trade Center and Tisser, highlighted the commitment to continuous skill development.
Various workshops like Lippan art, block printing, Madhubani art, candle making, and more, aimed to empower women with creative skills. The center was inaugurated by:
- Smt. Dolly Thakore, Veteran Indian Theatre Actress and Casting Director
- Smt. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai
- Shri.Salil Mishra IRS Commissioner Income Tax ( Exemptions)
- Shri. Kirti Rathod, CMD Delux Bearings Pvt. Ltd
The panel discussion on this dynamic forum brought together pioneering minds, each driving transformative change, to dissect the critical interplay between cutting-edge innovation and enduring sustainability.“Sustainability and Innovations in Circularity” featured prominent figures:
- Shri. Shishir Joshi (Moderator), CEO and Founder Trustee, Project Mumbai
- Dr. Prasad Modak, Managing Director – Environmental Management Centre
- Smt. Indu Jakhar IAS, Commissioner, KDMC
- Dr. Dhanashri Hardas, Chairperson, Women Entrepreneurs Committee MACCIA
- Smt. Karon Shaiva, Managing Director of Idobro
- Shri. Anand Chordia, Director Techy & Inno. Suhana; Founder the Eco Factory Foundation
A captivating fire side chat with Smt. Bhavana Tripathi, Leading Author, and Smt. V Radha, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (GAD), Mumbai, moderated by Dr. Megha Phansalkar offered profound insights.
The vital dialogue assembled visionaries committed to nurturing the next generation, exploring how to harness the dynamism of youth to propel Maharashtra’s progress. The panel discussion, “Engaging them Young as a Growth Engine for the State,” featured:
- Shri. Sanjay Chawla (Moderator), Founder Editor in Cheif, DFUI Fashionating World.
- Smt. Madhura Dasgupta, Founder and CEO, Aspire for Her
- Smt. Sunita Ramnathkar, IMC Vice President and President Elect 2025
- Dr. Hemlata Bagla, Hon Vice Chancellor, HSNC university
Smt. Manju Lodha and her team delivered a mesmerizing poetry recital.
The day concluded with a stunning Fashion Show on Circularity & Drapes by Smt. Nutan Kajbaje and students of Sasmira College.
Day 2 of Maha Collab 2024 opened with impactful keynotes that set a tone of global awareness and human empathy. Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, provided a compelling overview of Feminist Foreign Policy, highlighting its importance in contemporary international relations.
Following this, Smt. Seena Jacob, Founder of Bookwallah, delivered a deeply moving presentation on how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for healing children who have experienced trauma, underscoring the vital role of narrative in emotional recovery.
Smt. Nidhi Chaudhari IAS, Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), provided opening remarks that centered on the crucial intersection of Women Empowerment and Creative Skilling. This introduction led into a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Shri. Yusuf Kabir from UNICEF, featuring insights from Smt. Pritee Chaudhary IRS, Dr. Alifiya Rizvi, and Smt. Jyoti Doshi. The panelists explored innovative strategies to empower women through the development of creative skills, emphasizing the potential for economic and social transformation.
The program continued with a series of insightful fire side chats. Dr. Megha Phansalkar moderated discussions on Empowerment and Education with Smt. Deepa Tracy and Smt. Nisha Jamval, and on Sustainability and Innovation in Architecture with Shri. Abhay Bhonsale and Shri. Suresh Babu, moderated by Ms. Ruchi Sharma. Prof. Dr. Monika Aggarwal then delivered a presentation on the “Journey of Sustainable Textile Heritage,” tracing the evolution and significance of traditional textile practices.
A subsequent panel, moderated by Shri. Promod Dabrase, focused on Innovations and Sustainability through Partnerships.
This session featured contributions from Shri. Prashant Mandke, Smt. Rukaiya Joshi, Smt. Neha Kanabar, and Smt. Utkarsha Kavadi, who shared their experiences and insights on fostering sustainable practices through collaborative initiatives.
The Revamped Mrignayani Emporium was then inaugurated, symbolizing a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable and traditional crafts.
A powerful social message was delivered through a skit performed by youth and men trained by MAVA, led by Harish Sadani. This performance addressed critical social issues, highlighting the importance of awareness and advocacy.
The day culminated in a segment dedicated to differently abled individuals, with opening remarks by Dr. Radhike Khanna. A walk for a cause, featuring adults from Om Creations Trust and Jai Vakeel Foundation.
The Maha Collab 2025 ended on musical performances from Dhrishti Foundation and Bollywood singer, Mr. Hrishikesh Chury. This concluding segment served as a moving testament to inclusivity and the power of human spirit.
