IWP Academy, a leading institute in women's education in vocational and professional studies, today celebrated its 26th anniversary with the grand annual festival "Meraki 2024," themed "Empowering Women through Financial Independence," at Hyatt Centric, New Delhi.

The event was graced by Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, who was also the chief guest. She stated, "If we want to take our country forward, there is only one mantra: skill development."

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, such as fashion shows, dances, and dramas, showcasing the creativity and talent of women.

Sehrawat praised IWP’s initiatives in skill development and empowerment, emphasizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision: “Naukri lene wale nahi, naukri dene wale bano” (Don’t just seek jobs, create jobs). She highlighted how equipping women with practical skills not only benefits families but also drives the nation’s growth.

IWP Managing Director Vishal Nijhawan stressed the importance of empowering women through education and skill-building, saying, “Financial independence fosters confidence, preparing women to lead in various industries and contribute to India’s progress.”

While sharing his thoughts, Vishal Nijhawan, Managing Director of IWP, said, “The need to uplift the status of women has long been our prime concern.’Development via empowerment' is the thought that I live by, and I believe this should be the mantra we all adhere to in order to make India truly self-reliant. The Polytechnic’s motto has always been to deliver quality education to women of all ages, in any phase of their lives, from all communities, at all levels, and to provide information that is relevant to boosting their self-esteem. Through Meraki, we aim to impart a crucial value that transforms a woman into one of substance, purpose, and confidence.”

The event also featured prominent industry leaders Ishika Taneja and Bharti Taneja, who mentored students, inspiring them to excel in their respective fields.

Anubha Nijhawan, Executive Director; Tammana Gulati; Kunal Gulyani, the Centre Directors of IWP; Shri P.K. Bharwdaj (Retd. IPS); Ishika Taneja (Miss India & Business Woman of the World); Prreeti Ghai (Renowned Fashion Designer & Social Activist); Bharti Taneja (Renowned Makeup Artist); Ms. Vandan Dua (Renowned Fashion Designer); Srishti Juneja (Renowned Fashion Designer & Stylist); Sonal Bedi (Educational Consultant); Laxmi Singh (CEO, Glamorous You Magazine); Suman (Astro Vastu/Match Analysis); Jyoti Sharma (Renowned Interior Designer); Manali Tanwar (Celebrity Makeup Artist & Lifestyle Influencer); and Upali Prakash Chabra (Fashion Expert Designer & Influencer) were some of the industry leaders who mentored students with their vast experience and ideas in IWP's noble endeavor.

The event moved ahead with various performances, including rock shows, music, dance, and plays. It progressed with a colorful fashion show, where students from all Delhi branches of IWP Academy showcased a glimpse of ethnic, Indo-western, and western attire. These designs were not only created by the students, but also involved the entire process of fabric selection, drafting, sketching, stitching, embroidery, and finishing, all done by the students themselves. This educational aspect boosts students' confidence and motivates them to continue performing well.

Lastly, awards were conferred upon students in each category of the fashion show. The judges, guests, and everyone in the auditorium were full of praise for the International Women Polytechnic, which took the initiative to bring out the best talent from its students.

“Meraki 2024” concluded with a strong message: empowering women through skill development is vital for transforming India into a developed nation, aligning with the country’s vision for a developed India by 2047.