In a groundbreaking moment at the international Purple Fest Goa 2024, organized by Dhiman Social Welfare Trust, the 90% differently-abled Wheelchair Warrior of India, Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, took to the ramp for the first time in a specially curated inclusive wheelchair fashion show, “Mallowees Star Extravaganza,” held at Kala Academy in Panjim, Goa. This extraordinary event not only showcased Sai Kaustuv’s indomitable spirit but also highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Born with the rare Brittle Bone Disease, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Sai Kaustuv has faced over 50 fractures in his life, yet he has emerged as a National Awardee, Global Motivational & TEDx Speaker, Creative Designer, India’s First disabled Certified Happiness Coach, and a Diversity & Inclusion Champion. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiring narrative, demonstrating resilience, courage, and the power of transforming adversity into opportunity.
Cultural stigma and a lack of sensitivity compound the barriers faced by the disabled community, making it imperative to address their issues to pave the way for universal inclusive fashion. Sai Kaustuv challenges the stereotype that only physically fit individuals can be models, questioning the prevailing notion of what constitutes a “model look.” He advocates for increased efforts in adaptive clothing and designs to empower the disabled community, fostering a sense of style, confidence, and empowerment.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Sai Kaustuv emphasizes the importance of inclusive fashion, particularly for wheelchair users having locomotor disability, who often feel excluded from social gatherings due to concerns about their appearance. In response to this challenge, he along with his mother Dr. Shila Dasgupta designed a distinctive dhoti-kurta ensemble, incorporating traditional Indian elements while ensuring ease of wear for those with limited mobility.
Sai Kaustuv envisions a future where adaptive clothing becomes more widely accepted in mainstream fashion. He wholeheartedly thanked the Government of Goa and Shobhanaa Dhiman for arranging the event, and for making him feel proud with an attitude of gratitude, representing India on the stage of International Purple Fest. Shobhanaa Dhiman and her team believe “Fashion isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good, too. That’s why the Dhiman Social Welfare Trust is proud to support wheelchair fashion and help people with disabilities feel stylish, confident, and empowered. Because when it comes to true fashion, it’s all about attitude and self-love, not just outward appearances.”
He also specially thanked designer Nonishka for beautifully dressing him up with a blue and white scarf. Special moments for Sai were sharing the stage with Anagha Kamat Sambary, Miss India 2021, and all the supermodels who made India proud with their beauty. As Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta and others like him continue to challenge societal norms, their stories serve as catalysts for change, urging the fashion industry to recognize the beauty and diversity that inclusive fashion brings to the forefront. It is time to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, promoting a future where adaptive clothing is not just a niche but an integral part of mainstream fashion.
Glimpses of Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta at Purple Fest Goa 2024
