Leading Fashion Models & Actresses unite on World AIDS Day to free India from AIDS related stigma & discrimination

RED RIBBON REVOLUTION CELEBRITY FASHION RUNWAY

Leading Fashion Models & Actresses unite on World AIDS Day to free India from AIDS related stigma & discrimination

Actress Usha Jadhav urges mainstream Bollywood to make films on removing AIDS stigma

Miss Diva Universe Noyonita Lodh becomes honorary ambassador of Red Ribbon initiative

• Honorary Ambassadors Miss Diva Universe Noyonita Lodh, Actress Prachi Mishra (Miss India Earth), Manasi Moghe (Miss Diva Universe Runner Up 2013), Actress Rajshri Ponnappa, Arjuna Award Winning Athlete Reeth Abraham and many more walked the Red Ribbon Revolution - Celebrity Fashion Runway on December 1st – World Aids Day - in Mumbai
• Unique initiative to eradicate stigma and discrimination among children and youth living with HIV /AIDS through Fashion as a medium of transformation

 

Mumbai,December,2014: Marking World Aid’s Day on 1st December 2014 eminent designers, fashionistas, actors, celebrities & sportspersons from different parts of India united as Ambassadors to launch “Red Ribbon Revolution - Celebrity Fashion Runway” in suburban Mumbai.  Miss Diva Universe Noyonita Lodh joined as global ambassador for Celebrity Fashion Runway and was anointed by Elvis Joseph, Founder Director, Red Ribbon Revolution - Celebrity Fashion Runway.

Actress Prachi Mishra (Miss India Earth), Manasi Moghe (Miss Diva Universe Runner Up 2013), Srishti Rana (Miss Asia Pacific World 2013), Gurleen Grewal (Miss Diva Universe Runner Up 2013), actress Shubhra Aiyappa (Ford Models Supermodel – India), actress Usha Jadhav, actress Rajshri Ponappa and Arjuna Award winner Reeth Abraham were present in India’s First Celebrity Fashion Runway. These prominent celebrities from various walks of life wore & showcased the exclusive creations of ace designers Falguni & Shane Peacock & Priya Kataaria Puri on the ramp.

Actress Usha Jadhav, who has been associated with Red Ribbon for an year, said, “It is shocking to children suffering and Government should change policies. We can't blame the Government and we should all try to contribute towards the cause of eradicating stigma-related stigma and discrimination. I will speak to my director friends to see if they can make a positive film on AIDS.”

South based actress Rajshri Ponappa said that Indian society needs to take care of basic things that need to be taken care of  - especially on the psychological level as kids are suffering due to no fault of theirs. Arjuna Award winner Reeth Abraham said that sports is a good way to engage these kids as they need to get engrossed in some activities to keep themselves busy.

Elvis Joseph, Founder Director, Red Ribbon Revolution - Celebrity Fashion Runway, said, “We are often asked why we do things for AIDS affected people as they are going to die tomorrow – this attitude needs to change. Celebrity Fashion Runway is a unique way to get people together and Impact life positively. Hundreds of celebrities have to join in and then the caravan will move forward to raise the requisite awareness. We intend to raise funds through events as many things such as education, shelter, food, etc. have to taken care of.”

“The unique concept - India’s First Celebrity Fashion Runway - ideated by Red Ribbon is a noble purpose driven initiative uniting the fashion and film Industry of the country to achieve one common goal and purpose of eradicating AIDS related stigma and discrimination among the children and youth of India. Fashionistas, designers and actresses have taken the lead and responded positively towards their social responsibility of becoming an avid supporter to fight against HIV and AIDS and also make INDIA a stigma free country in the world,” added Joseph.

“Red Ribbon Revolution – Celebrity Fashion Runway will be a series of very prominent events conducted nationally & internationally in multiple cities & countries across the world. Through this first-of-its-kind philanthropic event, hopes to raise awareness, and funds for children and youth living with HIV/AIDS. The main objective of this movement is to positively impact the lives of HIV/ AIDS patients through Fashion as a medium of transformation. Internationally acclaimed models, designers, actors & sports Celebrities from various countries will be its “Honorary Ambassadors” and will be an active part of this noble movement,” Elvis added.

There have been various factors which has created & aggravated multiple circumstances that makes Children & Youth vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This epidemic Is a serious reality with an estimated 7 30,000 children under 15yrs of age living with HIV/AIDS. And to being “Born Again” and to set free from stigma and discrimination positively impacting lives of children and youth through fashion as a medium of transformation is exactly what the initiative will celebrate at the CELEBRITY FASHION RUNWAY 2014.

It is common for an afflicted child to have lost a parent or both parents while living a life in poverty, illiteracy, indignity with an imminent threat of an early death. HIV AIDS epidemic exists worldwide, although they manifest themselves differently across countries, communities, religious groups and individuals.

Stigma not only makes it more difficult for Adults & children trying to come to terms with HIV and manage their illness on a personal level, but it also interferes with attempts to fight the AIDS disease.. Solving HIV/AIDS will only happen if the future generation and systems are strengthened with adequate knowledge and awareness programs through various platforms

The Red Ribbon Revolution - Celebrity Fashion Runway is helmed by Elvis Joseph, a former athlete who has served the nation with programs in sports promotion, education, leadership, events and services. He has prepared professional and aspiring athletes including special children, physically disabled and the intellectually challenged for the national and international arena. His humanitarian endeavors have been recognized, honored & felicitated by mayors, governors, sports ministers, international organizations and association from across the globe. The celebrity Fashion Runway is a culmination of a shared vision that of making India the first country to declare itself as stigma and discrimination free against children and youth living with HIV/AIDS. It’s a strategic movement with high impact projects & platforms creating awareness at various levels, Educating and uniting the society, addressing key issues and needs that can bring a change in integrating effective AIDS governance & positive health responses has been major activities undertaken. 

finalrr1 - Miss Diva Universe Noyonita Lodh appointed as honorary global ambassador of Red Ribbon initiative

finalrr2 - Left to right: Prachi Mishra, Gauri, Rajshri Ponappa, Priya Kataaria Puri, Noyonita Lodh, Shristi Rana, Reeth Abraham and Usha Jadhav

finalrr3 - designer Priya Kataaria Puri with Elvis Joseph of Red Ribbon Revolution

final rr4- Rajshri Ponappa, Usha Jadhav, Elvis Joseph and Reeth Abraham

finalrr5 - Left to right: Prachi Mishra, Gauri, Rajshri Ponappa,  Noyonita Lodh, Shristi Rana, Reeth Abraham and Usha Jadhav