Tamana Hosts’ ‘FASHION UNBOUND’: A Runway Without Barriers

New Delhi, 10th August 2025: Tamana, one of India’s leading organisations dedicated to the empowerment of individuals with disabilities, is proud to announce its upcoming event, ‘FASHION UNBOUND’ – A Fashion Show for Inclusion.

This remarkable evening will be graced by Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, as the Chief Guest. The show will bring together creativity and inclusivity on a single platform, featuring collections by some of India’s most renowned designers Payal Jain, Payal Pratap, Shruti Sancheti, and Suket Dhir each known for their distinctive design sensibilities and commitment to social responsibility.

The evening will commence with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by a ceremonial welcome led by Dr. Shayama Chona, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, and President of Tamana, along with Mr. Sunil Sethi, Chairperson of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and Dr. Vikas Singh, Patron of Tamana.

Reflecting on the journey of the show, Dr. Shayama Chona said: “Twenty-five years ago, when we hosted our first fashion show, many raised their eyebrows wondering if I was being overly optimistic by bringing fashion into the lives of individuals with disabilities. But I have never seen them as disabled; to me, they are specially enabled. There is nothing beyond their reach. Together, we must open the world’s eyes to the truth: fashion, like society, must be inclusive. This show holds deep significance; it highlights the need for designers, mainstream students, and citizens at large to walk hand in hand with the specially enabled. Our lives are richer, more meaningful, when we embrace the children of the greater God, not label them as children of a lesser world.”

The highlight of the evening will be a fashion show showcasing an inspiring fusion of adaptive and mainstream fashion. Tamana students will walk the ramp alongside students from mainstream schools, renowned designers, and dignitaries from diverse walks of life—making a powerful statement for inclusion and unity. Among them will be Tamana Chona, who will take to the runway in a moving display of confidence and grace, exemplifying the spirit of the event.

Mr. Sunil Sethi, Chairperson of FDCI, added: “It is an honour for the Fashion Design Council of India to stand alongside Tamana in championing inclusion through fashion. Every year, this show is a heartfelt reminder that true style has no boundaries, and that the runway belongs to everyone regardless of ability. At FDCI, we believe that fashion must serve as a mirror to society—one that reflects empathy, diversity, and empowerment. ‘Fashion Unbound’ beautifully encapsulates this spirit, allowing creativity to thrive beyond convention, and giving voice to the specially enabled who inspire us with their resilience and joy. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the participating FDCI designers for their continued support and commitment to this cause. Their involvement adds immense value—not only in terms of design but in upholding the values of compassion and inclusion that this show represents. I salute Dr. Shayama Chona’s unwavering vision and the Tamana community for redefining what it means to be truly fashionable.”

To conclude the formal proceedings, Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Padma Shri awardee and Chairperson of Tamana, will offer a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the invaluable support of designers, partners, supporters, and participants whose dedication made the event possible.

The evening will draw to a close with a dinner reception, providing guests with the opportunity to connect and celebrate a shared vision of an inclusive future.

‘FASHION UNBOUND’ is a testament to Tamana’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and empowerment. The event reflects Tamana’s enduring mission to create inclusive spaces where talent is celebrated and individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to thrive and shine.

About TAMANA:
Tamana is a NGO  established in 1984  by the mother of the girl child, Tamana, who was born with Cerebral Palsy.  Its first centre Tamana Special Education Centre  was  inaugurated by the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales in 1992. It was set up to provide  rehabilitative services to differently abled children between the age group 6- 18 Yrs. Now Tamana has two more centres the Tamana Skill Development , NIOS Centre and Hostel which is a Vocational Centre catering to adults, and the ‘The Autism Centre for those on the spectrum. The Autism Centre was inaugurated in 2003 by the former President of India, late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. For its contribution in the field of disabilities, Tamana was accredited & amp; granted a Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2005.  

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