With fashion show being the highlight the event saw diplomats from several countries along with their spouses walking the ramp wearing ensembles contributed by leading Indian and international designers like ANKY, Anju Modi, Anu P.D., Ashish Soni, Charu Parashar, Gaurav Gupta, Jatin Kochhar, Joseph Ribkoff, Kavita Bhartiya, Namrata Joshipura, Poonam Bhagat, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Ritu Beri, Ritu Kumar, Samant Chauhan, Shantanu and Nikhil, Suneet Varma and Varun Bahl.

Choreographed by the well-known choreographer Harmeet Bajaj, the event focused on Earth Foundation’s Campaign for 1 million self-reliant under-privileged girls and the two decades of its diverse initiatives to improve quality of life. Moreover, painter Usha Phenay Pathak presented four portraits for auction to help raise the funds for the cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Turkish ambassador to India Burak Akcapar said, “A wise man once said that educating a girl means educating the whole society. Women are our mothers, spouses, daughters and colleagues after all. I cannot think of a cause nobler than raising awareness and funds to help educate and train the better half of our societies. When women finally attain their rightful place in our societies the world will be a better place.”

Apart from diplomats from several countries the fundraiser was attended by some of the illustrious names from different walks of life including daughter of the President of India-Sharmistha Mukherjee, the famous poet Rumi’s granddaughter from the 22nd generation-Esin-Çelebi Bayru, designers Suneet Varma, Ashish Soni, Poonam Bhagat, Gaurav Gupta, Shantanu Mehra with wife Reema, Charu Parashar, Anju Modi, Jattin Kochhar with wife Gunjan and Ramola Bachchan amongst others.

This unique initiative sees members of the fashion fraternity donating creations, which are further retailed through the carnival. Participating designers include Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Sabyasachi, Kavita Bhartia, Shantanu & Nikhil and Malini Ramani amongst others. Moreover, a silent auction featuring designer merchandise from prestige brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tod’s, Gucci, Christian Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, Hermes and Armani was also held at the do.

The first of the three fund-raising events planned over the short span across three metros in India, the carnival witnessed activities like tarot-reading, massages, fortune-telling, innovative games like can cancer, ring cancer and basketball.

Speaking on the occasion, Archana Pillai, Director, Ogaan Cancer Foundation, said, “The Ogaan Cancer Foundation has always adhered to simple philosophy: one message – breast cancer awareness and education. Over the years, that philosophy has become a mantra for our many partners and has had an impact we never dreamed possible, touching the lives of tens of thousands of supporters nationwide.”