Raipur: What began as a handloom fashion show in Raipur has now opened up a much bigger conversation around rehabilitation, mainstream inclusion and the changing identity of Naxal-affected Bastar.

Women from the Sukma rehabilitation centre, who have surrendered and are now rebuilding their lives, walked the ramp in traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom attire during an event organised by the Gramodyog Department on National Handloom Day.

Their confident walk caught the attention of filmmaker Aakash Aditya Lama, director of Bengal 1947. Lama, who has himself worked in Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh, has now expressed his desire to work with these women in one of his upcoming films.

The idea has also received a positive response from Chhattisgarh School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, who welcomed the possibility of the film industry creating opportunities for people returning to the mainstream after being affected by Naxal violence.

'This is not just a ramp walk, it is a picture of confidence'

For Aakash Aditya Lama, the moment carried a significance far beyond fashion.

Speaking about the women, Lama said that seeing them walk the ramp with confidence made him extremely happy. He also recalled his personal connection with Chhattisgarh, where he studied, as well as his experience of shooting in Naxal-affected areas for his film Bengal 1947.

According to Lama, for years, certain parts of Chhattisgarh were viewed from outside through the lens of fear and Naxal violence. People often hesitated to travel to these regions because of concerns about their safety.

The sight of women from those very areas now confidently presenting their culture, identity and traditional clothing on a public platform represents a significant change, he said.

For him, the ramp walk was therefore not merely a fashion event. It was an expression of confidence and a sign that people from areas once associated primarily with violence are now stepping forward to showcase their culture and rebuild their lives.

From Naxal violence to peace, confidence and economic opportunity

Lama believes that the impact of peace in Naxal-affected regions goes much beyond security.

When people from outside begin feeling confident about visiting an area, working there and interacting with local communities, it can gradually create opportunities for tourism, employment and economic growth.

He pointed to regions such as Rajasthan, where local art, cuisine, traditional clothing and culture have found recognition at national and international platforms.

Lama believes Bastar can now move in a similar direction.

The filmmaker said Bastar's traditional clothing, cultural heritage and local identity have the potential to reach national as well as international platforms.

A filmmaker wants to work with them

The biggest development following the fashion show is Lama's stated desire to work with these women in a future film.

The filmmaker revealed that he has been working for some time on a subject connected to this larger theme. If the project moves forward, he said, getting an opportunity to work with these women would be a matter of privilege for him.

Such an opportunity could mean more than just a film role.

For women rebuilding their lives after leaving the path of Naxal violence, participation in mainstream creative industries could provide a new form of recognition and allow their stories to reach audiences far beyond Bastar.

It could also challenge the stereotypical image of Naxal-affected regions by presenting the people, culture and aspirations of Bastar through a different lens.

Gajendra Yadav welcomes the move

School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav has welcomed Lama's decision and the possibility of the entertainment industry creating opportunities for people returning to the mainstream.

Yadav said that if the government's efforts are resulting in a positive response from the film and entertainment industry, and if such initiatives can create opportunities for people from Naxal-affected regions who are coming back into the mainstream, there could hardly be anything better.

The response is significant because rehabilitation is not only about helping people leave violence behind. The larger challenge is helping them rebuild their identity, confidence, livelihood and place in society.

Opportunities in cinema, fashion, art and other creative fields can become an important part of that process.

Rajesh Rana: 'More such initiatives will be organised'

The event also received encouragement from Rajesh Rana, Secretary, Khadi and Gramodyog, Chhattisgarh.

Rana said, “This event has been inspirational for us, and it is being discussed everywhere. More such better initiatives will be organised by the department in the coming time as well.”

His statement underlines the department's intention to continue creating platforms that showcase Chhattisgarh's handloom, traditional attire and cultural identity.

In this case, however, the event became much more than a celebration of handloom.

It became a platform where women rebuilding their lives after surrendering from Naxal violence could stand before an audience with confidence and represent their culture.

A changing picture of Bastar

The women who walked the ramp included Punem Deve, Midiyam Gangi, Madvi Deve, Madvi Nandini, Madvi Male, Podiyam Raje, Doddi Rame, Madkam Bhime and Punem Joyyati.

Their appearance in traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom attire offered a glimpse of a changing Bastar—one where the narrative is slowly moving beyond Naxal violence towards peace, rehabilitation, culture and opportunity.

The next step could potentially take that story from the ramp to the cinema screen.

If Aakash Aditya Lama's proposed collaboration becomes a reality, it would represent a powerful transition: from Naxal-affected areas to the mainstream, from rehabilitation to recognition, and from being defined by a troubled past to creating a new identity.

For Bastar, that may be one of the most meaningful stories to tell.