Organizations like WCCIM do not spring up overnight. Years of toiling, complete dedication and thorough commitment to the cause, shape them up into the form in which we see them today. It was a long and arduous walk from its formation as SPWCCI (South Punjab women's chamber of commerce) to where it stands today, as Women's chamber of commerce and industry Multan (WCCIM).
Not gold, but only man can make
A people great and strong;
Men who, for truth and honor's sake,
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly--
They build a nation's pillar's deep
And lift them to the sky.
Only if Ralph Waldo Emerson had mentioned 'women', instead of men. He had beautifully described the strength behind this chamber. Women like Mrs. Farrukh Mukhtar and Masooma Sibtain remained the binding force, the power and the strength to lift this institute to the high pedestal, it has reached today.
The story of 'Blue fair' started in January 2012 with a fashion show in collaboration with 'Ladies club Multan'. Mahnaz Amir and Masooma took this event as a challenge and provided talented designers of this chamber an opportunity to showcase their outfits on the ramp. Widely publicized in print and electronic media, it brought WCCIM into limelight it deserved. One thing lead to another and in the year 2015, WCCIM under the able presidency of Mrs Humaira Batool and efforts of Masooma this event was titled as 'Blue fair'. The city of saints had its first professional fashion show, followed by a successful four days exhibition of different products by female entrepreneurs.
The month of March was purposely selected for holding this event, because of observing 'international women's day' on 8th March every year. Also because the weather in the city of saints, during this month is ideal for holding such celebrations.
Keeping up the convention, Blue fair was also arranged this year (2016). From 4th March to 6th March. The venue for the event was Shahjahan Marquee, near Eid gaah. Three days of exhibition with 72 stalls from all over the country, with national/ international brands like Sapphire lawn, Taneez, SNM, Cross stitch, Trends, Zubia Zainab, Wood carvers, Rawayat by Ambreen Khan, Craft Galleria, Novaira's collection, Shah's collection, Nukti Daana and Majmua from Karachi, Lahore Chatkhara and Little Cake company, etc.
The event was widely publicized and properly promoted by this women's chamber. But the undeniable fact remains the presence of Sapphire lawn, just at the right time of beginning of the season. It worked like magnet for Multani women and drew great crowds.
WCCIM is extremely grateful to Farah Faisal. This beautiful lady turned out to be a great asset for the chamber, it was because of her efforts and contacts that major designer brands were accessed and held places at the 'Blue fair'. Also, she managed to bring a great deal of sponsorship for the event. Thanks to Alina Gillani, who always supports WCCIM. It will be unfair not to mention Filza Akbar and Seerat Fatima. Where Seerat Fatima worked vehemently as vice-president, Filza Akbar performed services in place of her mother, Mrs. Razia Shah, the current president of WCCIM. So Filza not only proved a great worker but a great daughter as well. These two ladies were also awarded for their contribution, air tickets to Dubai from Emirates airlines.
Emirates airlines emerged as fantastic sponsors. They arranged random lucky draws for the members of WCCIM and two of them were gifted free air tickets to Dubai. The lucky ladies were Samina and Uzma Burana.
As mentioned above, this event continued for three days. Day one started with the ribbon cutting ceremony by DG SRO TDAP. Who later visited the stalls and admired the spirit of women empowerment. On the same day, in the evening, a dinner was arranged at Ramada hotel for honourable guests and participants of the event. Accompanied with a beautiful musical evening. The singers were flown in from Lahore and their mesmerising tones, alongwith extreme skills of tabla player enchanted everybody. The parliamentary secretary for interiors, Mariam Alamgir and Mrs. Khaula Amjad MPA PMLN, also attended this event.
Second day was dedicated to Seminar alongwith the exhibition. The topic of the seminar was, ''Empower a woman, empower a nation''. Among the other distinguished speakers, prominent was Mrs. Abida Hussain, a female politician of great stature.
It was an honour and a privilege for WCCIM that notable business personalities like Mr Abdul Rauf Alam President FPCCI, Mr S.M.Muneer CEO TDAP and Mr Iftikhar Ali Malik (vice President SAARC) presided over the event as chief guest. Also, esteemed leaders like MR S.M Muneer , Mr Zubail Tufail, Mr Hameed Chadda, Mr Abdul Rauf Alam President FPCCI ,and Malik Sohail consented to be a part of this women empowerment project.
On the third and final day, the exhibition continued and these above mentioned visionary leaders became part of prize distribution ceremony. Shields and trophies were distributed among the deserving participants in the seminar hall. Whereas, rest of the exhibitors were awarded participation certificates on their stalls.
We congratulate WCCIM, all the organizers and participants of Blue fair, for this massive success. Also, wish and prayer, as this event is getting bigger and better every year, the coming years may create it even more bigger and better.
Comments