Of late, a fundraiser ‘Rays of Hope for the Girl Child’ 2013 was hosted by Earth Foundation and The Republic of Turkey at the residence of Turkish ambassador to India in New Delhi.

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.