Kochi: At a colourful and celebrity studded function held at the Gateway Hotel, Ernakulam, Kochi, noted film personality and social activist Ms. Shabana Azmi formally launched the first ever book on silks by an Indian Silk Sari entrepreneur “Beena Kannan’s Book of Indian Silk Saris”. The august gathering at the venue included business persons, media persons, art & culture personalities and their families.

The Chief Guest of the evening was the Honourable Union Minister Sri. Vayalar Ravi. Ms. Shabana Azmi who arrived in an elegent silk sari added that element of splendour to the proceedings that followed from 7 pm onwards. Ms. Renjini Haridas of the Idea Star Singer fame, the celebrity host, pepped up the evening with her intelligent compeering. Baby Tessa Sibi Chavra’s sonorous prayer lighted the proceedings.

Unfolding the veil, Ms. Shabana Azmi released a giant sized replica of Beena Kannan’s book to a thunderous applause. Soon after, Sri. Vayalar Ravi received the first copy of the book from Ms. Azmi. Speaking first, Sri. Vayalar Ravi opined that the silk sari embodies the two most vital aspects of India. One, the Indian women. Secondly, the sari symbolizes the quintessential swadeshi spirit that Gandhiji propounded. He added that budding lady entrepreneurs must take a cue from Beena Kannan’s life and work considering her a role model.

Ms. Shabana Azmi congratulated Beena Kannan on chronicling and documenting in detail the rich textile legacy of India. She said, in the present times, documenting cultural and traditional identities have become much more important.

“Silk Sari is a synonym for the aristocracy of the Indian women, no matter who she may be. The sari is a great leveler”. Ms. Azmi concluded her brief but pithy speech.

Beena Kannan who spoke next welcomed and thanked each one of the invitees. She reiterated her gratitude to her parents, Gurus, trade and professional colleagues, the media and all those who associated with her in bringing out her Book of Indian Silk Saris. “The primary objective of writing this book is to pass on to the next generation, elements of our unique and invaluable textile traditions” said Beena Kannan.

She shared her experiences while writing the book which entailed wide travel all over India, collecting data, talking to weavers, printers and trade professionals. “It took over an year to collate data and get down to the writing part” Beena Kannan added. She concluded saying that she was fortunate in having Ms. Azmi to release her book since Ms. Azmi symbolized the essence of Indian womanhood as depicted in her movies.”

India’s leading silk master weavers like Mr. K. V. Kumar, of K. V. Kumar Silks, Arni, Mr. E. Selvan, of Selvan’s Silks, Arni, Mr. Jaganadhan, of Fashion Point Puliampatty, Mr. Paras Bhai of Ajeeth Creations, Coimbatore, and Mr. Veda Prakash, of Prathap Sons, Jaipur were prominent invitees who delivered felicitatory speeches.

Ms. Ranjini Haridas thanked the invitees on behalf of Beena Kannan. The book is priced Rs. 695 and is available at India’s leading book stores. About 40% of the first print volumes of the Book got autographed by the author and was purchased by the gathering at the venue itself.