Sunday, 26 June 2022 is a day that 30+ Schools & Colleges with 250+ student participants will fondly remember as the day when Meraki 2022 came to Pune City. JW Marriot Hotel, where the event was held, was filled with a festive vibrancy and youthful exuberance.
The Chief Guest, Shri, graced this one-day design and fashion fiesta. Amitabh Gupta, the Pune Police Commissioner and the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Shivaji Shinde, Chairman of Blossom’s Academy, who specially came from Panchgani to spend time with the principals, teachers, parents, and the dear children. Mr Sheetal Patil, a founder of Yashwant institute and Director of Takalkar Classes, was the second special guest of honour.
There were many dignitaries and speakers from various fields such as. Utkarsh Nemade (Writer /Director / World Record Holder in 1 calendar year )Dr Shekhar Bhaskar ( Author / Entrepreneur / Mentor)
Neel Deshpande, (Film Critic, Writer, Digital Marketing Strategist),
Dr, Pratik Rajan Mungekar (Scientist, Author, Global Educator and Speaker)
Ram Zond Sir, a famous photographer celebrating 50 years of his career also graced the event.
Ignite India Education conducts Meraki – Design & Fashion Fiesta annually to celebrate creativity and provide a solid platform for youngsters aiming to make a mark in the design & fashion industry. Established in 2006, Ignite India is inspired by the former President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s vision of ‘India Beyond 2020’ and wishes to fulfil his vision by empowering the society and transforming India into a developed nation through education. Ignite India COO, Mr Krishna Nandsingh expressed that ‘’The Energy of the Pune Youths was electrifying, and they will surely help lead the nation forward with their innovative ideas.’’ Close to 10 Award Categories, 1Lakh+ Cash Prizes, interaction with Design Educators and curated workshops with leading Design Schools saw enthusiastic participation not just from the students but also from the parents & teachers.
Mrs Nidhi Mithil Bhandare, founder of Mindlancer , Regional Head (Western Region), Ignite India Education and a leading Educator & certified Family Therapist noted that ‘’The Meraki Design Festival was a perfect amalgamation of students, parents, teachers and educators coming together to emphasise the importance of creativity and empowering youth voices.’’ The competitive friendly spirit of the students was appreciated by all gathered. City Pride Junior College was the Overall Winner of Meraki 2022, and the various Award Category Award Top Prize Winners include MsMr Angel Bhatia (Symbiosis Junior College), Mr Tejas Lokhande (SNBP International School), Mr Abhay Mutha (The Icon Public School), Ms Anjali Madasa (SNBP International School), Mr Saartha Bhandari & Ms Shreya Maslekar (VK Patil Memorial School), Mr Nikunj Laad & Ms Modini Swarankar (City Pride Jr. College), Mr Pronit Samal (Abhinav Public School) and Mr Rudraksha Warda & Mr Saksham Kopnar (The Icon Public School) (>>Nidhi ma’am – Do include Fashion Events>>)
The 1 Day Carnival closed with a bang as Ignite India Education introduced various opportunities for the students to further their aspirations and Mr Anson Andrews, a reputed public speaker, fondly reminded all in attendance that, ‘’The fire in a child is a tremendous gift of God and we all have a responsibility to protect and nurture it’’ Meraki 2022 truly left an indelible impression on the minds of all the students, parents, teachers and educators.
