The ace designer spoke to Instep about ‘My Pakistan’, a joint collaboration with NOWPD and how he plans to empower marginalised students enrolled at the organization.
Time and again we come across various celebrities, who devote considerable time to different philanthropic activities. They lend support to social causes but also go the extra mile to spread awareness regarding issues like education, health, vocational trainings etc. We know for a fact that celebrity endorsements add strength to the initiatives and recently ace designer, host and choreographer, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, popularly known as HSY, collaborated with Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP) to provide hope, empower as well as create opportunities for differently-abled designers.
Established in 2008, NOWPDP is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the creation of an inclusive society. Their mission is to value and uphold the rights of people with disabilities through sustainable endeavours and a holistic approach driven by clear social objectives. Moreover, their mission is to make a significant difference to the quality of life and welfare of people with disabilities.
Designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), who celebrated 25 years in fashion last year, has initiated a programme called ‘My Pakistan’ to assist marginalised artists.
Speaking to Instep about the collaboration, HSY shared that ‘My Pakistan’ is a joint venture with the organisation. “The basic premise behind this project is to empower differently-abled design students enrolled at NOWPDP and provide them with a platform to creatively express their ideas, thoughts and whatever comes to mind when they think of Pakistan through art using different mediums,” he revealed, adding that he chose this particular theme (Pakistan Day) mainly because he wanted to give these students the opportunity to put their innovative ideas about their country on the drawing board. “I want to see Pakistan through their eyes, and what better day to showcase their ideas than 23rd of March.”
According to the designer, they will incorporate the designs into their special Pakistan Day (March 23) collection, which will include kurtas, scarves and accessories. The creations will be sold at all HSY stores across Pakistan and online. He further stressed on the fact that from the proceeds of the sales for each design, a percentage will go to the student who designed it.
HSY, who has been associated with different kinds of social causes for quite some time now, went on to say that the project was initiated earlier this year at the NOWPDP head office, and last week his team along with him reviewed the progress of the students. “We were awe-inspired by the amazing work presented by the students,” he added.
As far as the outcome of the project is concerned, HSY shared that he and his team are working towards polishing the student’s skills and creating opportunities for them to become a part of the work force. “We at HSY want to empower these students with skills and exposure that are required to work in a professional environment.”
He continued, “Most importantly through this project I would like them to feel part of the industry as well as become confident enough to work in a professional set-up.”
In a recent interview with Geo television, HSY shared that we must make sure these marginalised children are seen and recognised for their work and that this is an ongoing process.
So what is the next step? “For now we are striving to work towards the betterment of those who don’t have it easy,” responded HSY.
“2020 is going to be all about giving back to the country that has given me so much and empowering others with skills and education,” shared the designer on a parting note.
