“I want to use my experience in fashion and e-commerce to benefit society” – Sumedha Ramanan

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 “I want to use my experience in fashion and e-commerce to benefit society” – Sumedha Ramanan
Photographer: Giridhar Murugan Chettiar

Sumedha Ramanan is an emerging  name to reckon with when it comes to Fashion and Style. From the South Indian State of Karnataka,  She is  Executive Director At Streetap, Bangalore. She’s is an alumni of The National Institute Of Fashion Technology Chennai and she has a worked in Marketing for e-commerce companies in Bangalore and Silicon Valley. In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Sumedha Ramanan talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.


How far has pandemic impacted the world of style and clothing?

Initially the pandemic was indeed a serious shock to the fashion industry all over the world. While retail stores who are mainly dependent on footfalls suffered due to the lockdowns, the online sector also faced a set-back as people feared receiving packages. Nevertheless, as the world learnt to cope with the situation by the second year, we saw a spike in demand for ‘work-from-home’ outfits and at-home services in the online market segment. However, it is important to note that only 3% of fashion businesses in India are online and globally only 8% of fashion related sales take place through e-commerce platforms. Therefore I believe that it is the need of the hour to find more online representation for retail businesses and the onus lies on us, the new E-commerce generation of India.


Being a woman you are also into men’s wear ,a bit about that ?

One of my core beliefs when it comes to doing business, is to execute company operations at scale and employ talent to execute daily company operations instead of being involved in everything individually. Therefore, my gender isn’t a factor in business planning. It is a more intellectual process and doesn’t have anything to do with gender. It is more about automating functions like design, customer experience, job creation, etc. Personally, I found my enthusiasm for menswear design because it is very minimalistic and creatively challenging in nature. Unlike womenswear, which is very varied, designing menswear is all about changes we can make in the tiniest details. For example, I cannot change the way a shirt looks, but I can certainly give you a contrasting placket or accent button. Menswear also dabbles in advanced fabrics and ancient handmade techniques. Currently, I’m teaching Italian Couture to the unorganised sector and bringing the John Wick Bespoke Suiting experience to users at the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, I love designing for men because they usually come to us at the last minute with aggressive deadlines and as a strategy person I enjoy being on my toes and enabling quicker deliveries. At Streetap, we’re currently delivering customised tailored suits in four days.


What are your favourites in designing and styling ?

Recently I’m deeply fascinated with the ancient garment designs of India. There is so much more to Indian outfits than the saree. Whether it is the silhouettes of old-time garments like the Atamsukh and Angrakha or the non-repeating block printing techniques of Rajasthan, It is my professional opinion that these historic pieces are exceptional and quite unique in comparison to what we wear today. I believe it is time to stop and stare at the wonderful carvings on Qutub Minar or the marvellous tessellations on the walls of  the Sheesh Mahal and bring our heritage art to what we wear. As far as styling is concerned, here’s a little tip – wear monochromes if you’re new to styling and when hanging out with your friends, steal their jacket to up your style quotient! 


A bit about your fashion content writing ?

Being a fashion writer for e-commerce companies was perhaps one of the most glamorous and fun jobs I’ve ever had. My day would start with a quick take-away from Starbucks that took me through the first half that I spent writing about fashion whilst running into A-list celebrities like Hrithik Roshan and Nargis Fakhri at work ! Interestingly, fashion content writing jobs also dabble with brand marketing and therefore I found a varied set of opportunities. One even included playing a treasure hunt game online and hosting a fashion quiz! I was certainly living the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ life that all fashion savvy youngsters dream of. I’d like to tell your readers that if you are considering a job in content writing, it is better to be a specialist in the subject you wish to write about rather than only majoring in English. That was beneficial for my writing career.Your favourite fashion and style icons ? Bella Hadid, I think, is surely on her way to becoming the next Marylin Monroe and her lung necklace is certainly iconic in reflecting today’s times. In styling, I love Tom Hiddleston’s choices as they’re classy and understated. Tom Ford on the other hand is certainly a great designer as well as a fashion icon in himself. In India, I believe Karishma Kapoor’s outfits are severely underrated for what they actually are! I think she has a spectacular eye for fashion

Your goals ?

Since I’ve studied fashion from NIFT and worked as a marketer in the e-commerce industry, it is my personal goal to use my specialisation and experience to benefit society. Currently 97% of the GDP contribution of the Indian Fashion Sector (except watches) comes from the unorganised sector. The unorganised sector finds itself underrepresented in the online world and it is my mission to bring them to the forefront of the e-commerce industry and increase their sales without charging them commissions. While I have just started, I’m happy to note that a vendor of mine who was previously dependent on footfalls has now completely moved to the Streetap model and was also able to take a vacation with his family after a long time, due to better margins and sales. Even though startups can be challenging, these little wins keep me going.


A bit about your leather jackets you manufacture?

When it comes to leather, people have many apprehensions because they feel it is not animal friendly. However, leather is a by-product of the food industry. In order to curb over-use, we only buy material on order. Our leather jackets are hand-crafted, and they employ workers from the unorganised sector. Regardless of the design and colour, our leather jackets come at a standard price. They are cut and sewn to size and delivered in 7 days. We do not make or sell faux leather as it is made of plastic and has a short lifespan, which in turn increases waste and degrades the environment. I certainly urge people to buy leather instead as it lasts for more than a decade and gets better with wear.

Every Suicide is a tragedy that causes pain to whole family

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              Every suicide is a tragedy that causes pain to whole family

Dr Suhaib Ashraf BhatYear 2020 saw 287 suicide cases in J&K, reveals NCRB including 157 males and 130 females.  This figure was revealed by the National Crime Record Bureau for Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that was released earlier in last week of October is something we should really ponder on.  
Every suicide is a tragedy. Death by suicide is an extremely complex issue that causes pain to whole family. Dear brothers and sisters, don’t forget, Trouble is inevitable in the life of this world; this is how Allah swt has decreed it and He swt has made it a place of trials and tests, and a bridge to the Hereafter. Even the best of His creation, the prophets, were never free of troubles. Life is never plain sailing for anyone, young or old. You may have reason to rejoice one day, then reason to feel sad for many other days; this is how it always is in the life of this world and this is how people are all the time.
There are certain hotspots of suicide in the world, and the common thread running through these places is poverty and dearth of job opportunities resulting from the lack of development. The lack of jobs and poverty force the poor to search of a better life. But the harsh realities of life shatter their dreams. Wait for a second; this is not only the reason, According to a one report of Lancet, suicide rates in India are highest in the 15-29 age groups of the youth population. The report says that among men, 40% suicides were by individuals aged 15-29, while for women it was almost 60%.
“Stress, anxiety disorder, depression, personality disorder all these result in mental illness that leads a youth towards suicide. This happens when the youth are not satisfied with his or her surroundings.” Relationship breakdown is another leading cause. 
After going through so many researches I found youth with good background also commit suicide, So it’s clear to say that Poverty and dearth of job is not only the reason to commit suicide especially in younger generation. A suicide is merely a mental health issue. Psychiatrists and Psychologists are available in every city to counsel people driven to suicide out of depression caused by economic or personal reasons. I have gone through many studies across the globe which authorities attribute most suicides to depression.
Suicide:  Which is increasing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and second by second? Thinkers are thinking; Philosophers making another philosophy out of it yet the rate of the suicide is increasing. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.  Life is an unending succession of moments.  At the two extremes there are joyful moments that make our hearts soar and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry or even despair.  Gladness and its opposite sadness are part of the human condition, however when we lose control over our emotions we can easily fall into despair.  Despair is the feeling that we get when all hope has disappeared and it is a very dangerous situation. Calamity is part of the natural order of things and hardly anyone is safe from it.
 The Messenger of Allah  swt Muhammad Salalahualihwasalam narrated from his Lord that He Said: “I am as my slave expects Me to be.
Ahmad bin ‘Umar al-Qurtubi Rahimullah said:“It is said that His Saying “I am as my slave expects Me to be” means if one expects an answer when he supplicates, his repentance to be accepted, something repugnant to be repelled from him, his deeds to be accepted that are performed with their proper conditions. And this is supported by his saying: “Call upon Allah swt while you are certain that you will be answered.” Likewise, it is incumbent upon the one who repents, seeks Forgiveness, and does good deeds to exert himself in fulfilling his obligations while he is certain that Allah swt will accept his actions and Forgive his sins, as Allah swt has promised that He will accept any truthful repentance and righteous deeds. So, whoever performs such a deed and believes and expects that Allah swt will not accept it and that it will not benefit him, this is despair from the Mercy of Allah swt, and is from greatest of the major sins. Whoever dies upon this will be delivered to that which he expected.”‘Al-Mufhim li ma Ushkil min Talkhis Kitab Muslim’ (5/267)
Suicide is a complex issue and therefore suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.
 “And whoever oppresses (commits injustice) among you, We will make him taste a great punishment.” (Quran 25:19)
Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwasalam said: “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.  Whoever fulfils the needs of his brother, Allah swt will fulfil his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah swt will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah swt will cover his faults on the Day of Resurrection.”
Thus there is certainly a benefit in treating others well, especially in coming to the aid of friends or family members who are overwhelmed by life’s cruelties and injustices.  However what of the people who feel alone, crushed by circumstance and are teetering on the edge of despair.  How can a person suffering from suicidal thoughts bring themselves back from the brink? This can be achieved in many ways; firstly by strengthening one’s relationship with Allah swt. This is achieved by reading the Quran, being mindful of Him and making lots of dua (supplication) to Allah swt. Next a person would do well to recognise Satan’s hand in this matter.  He whispers frightening scenarios of poverty and helplessness.  They are not true for Allah swt’s mercy conquers all.  Cling to Him and to Islam even in the darkest hour and the longest night.
 If you suspect that a family member or friend may be considering suicide, talk to them about your concerns. You can begin the conversation by asking questions in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way.Talk openly and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about suicide?”
During the conversation, make sure you:Stay calm and speak in a reassuring toneAcknowledge that their feelings are legitimateOffer support and encouragementTell them that help is available and that they can feel better with treatmentMake sure not to minimize their problems or attempts at shaming them into changing their mind. Listening and showing your support is the best way to help them. You can also encourage them to seek help from a professional.Offer to help them find a healthcare provider, make a phone call, or go with them to their first appointment.It can be frightening when someone you care about shows suicidal signs. But it’s critical to take action if you’re in a position to help. Starting a conversation to try to help save a life is a risk worth taking. “And do not kill yourselves.  Surely, Allah swt is Most Merciful to you.” (Quran 4:29)
May Allah swt make things easy for us and make us among those who always provide helping hand to others.  Aameen Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Srinagar City UNESCO Feat

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Srinagar City UNESCO Feat 

News Kashmir Exclusive 
The famed world body of UNESCO has included Srinagar in the prestigious list of Creative Cities Network in the category of ‘Folk Art and Culture and Craft’, city mayor Junaid Azim Mattu stated recently.
As a matter of fact , Launched in 2004, the Unesco Creative Cities Network aims at providing cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a major factor in their urban development.Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed jubilation over the move as he tweeted:Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
— Narendra Modi, Prime Minister , India  (@narendramodi) November 8, 2021.It is worth mentioning here that around 49 cities were added to the network of 246 cities following their designation by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in recognition of “their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices”.Mudasir Muran, the Owner of Paradise Wood House and Art Lover Stated : ” This is great feat for the historical city of Srinagar to become  one of the few cities worldwide to join the UNESCO Creative Cities list. It is a proud fact for us that Srinagar city is a part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With this, the UCCN is now an exclusive club of 295 cities from across 90 countries that invest in culture and creativity — crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music — to advance sustainable urban development. We hope that this development goes a long way in promoting art and crafts of the Srinagar city on global map . This development would also boost the overall image of Srinagar city . Expert pulse is there is already a huge demand for Kashmiri handcrafted products abroad, even as it is not benefiting the artisans directly. We hope this move benefits in big way our artisan community too .””A new urban model needs to be developed in every city, with its architects, town planners, landscapers and citizens,” said Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay.For the historical city of Srinagar achieving this feat is a feather to its cap without any doubt .It is worth pointing out here that Every year, UNESCO seeks applications for various cities across the globe for putting them under its UCCN project. The applications in India are routed through the Ministry of Culture. Srinagar going through it successfully is indeed an wonderful news to ears .

Welcome Move of JK Government on Winter Power supply

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Welcome Move of JK Government on Winter

Power supply 

Jammu and Kashmir especially the Kashmir valley is known for having a very harsh winter . Often power cuts make life of people quite difficult during the winters . Now the latest vision of Jammu and Kashmir Government on smooth power supply in Jammu and Kashmir is a welcome Development .
It is learnt that a vibrant, disruption free winter remains the topmost priority of the government this year. This was stated by the Chief Secretary Dr. Arun K Mehta here recently . He was chairing a meeting to review the power scenario in Kashmir valley.
It was said that the Chief Secretary was apprised about the existing electricity scenario in Kashmir valley, the current energy consumption pattern and future power requirement during the winter season. He was informed that the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation has already touched a peak load of 1653 MW which is nearly 100 MW higher than the peak load of 1546 which was served last year. Similarly, the power supply to the Kashmir valley this year alone had been of the order of 5719.6 million units- an increase of 12% over the previous year.

While acknowledging the efforts of the department, the Chief Secretary also directed the officers to undertake greater efforts to ensure smooth power supply during winters. He directed inspection of all transformers by 30th November 2021 to ensure good health of transformers, besides simultaneously inspecting all HT/LT fuses within 15 days.
Masses are hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir Government would maintain a regular power supply during the upcoming winter season that is just round the corner .In a welcome sign , Dr. Mehta further directed prevention of unscheduled power cuts due to overloading and formulation of proper protocol to manage scheduled power cuts. He also directed the initiation of the IEC campaign for raising awareness on agreemented power load, schedule of electricity cuts and helpline number for complaints.