Glimmers, flashing lights, and a play of mesmerizing hues set the tone for an evening marked by spirited competition and fair judgment at the Sabaat Stitching Competition and Certificate Distribution Ceremony.
Held on April 11, the event was attended by Chief Guest Advocate Zehra Saman, Guest of Honour Dr. Ramsa Jaan, Special Guest Samreen, and Aasif Mujtaba, Founder and Director of Miles2Smile.
The program commenced with a soulful qirat by Saman, a student of Sabaat; her recitation infused the hall with a sense of spirituality and tranquility. Soon after, the atmosphere shifted from serene to electric as excitement gathered pace. Participants, divided into Groups A, B, C, D, and E, lined up to present their dresses, each outfit radiating a distinct aesthetic. Some dazzled with bold, gaudy flair; others garnered admiration through subtle elegance and vibrant color palettes.
“Everyone’s hard work is visible through the dresses; everyone has worked very hard. The competition is just for excitement; otherwise, you all are the winners,” said Farheen, stitching educator, Sabaat.
As each group stepped forward, the students explained their designs. They spoke of long hours spent bent over fabric, of mistakes that had to be corrected late into the evening, and of the contentment that came with finally getting a seam right.
The judges, meanwhile, moved between the displays with careful attention, examining stitches, cuts, and finishing—an exercise that grew increasingly difficult as the quality of work remained consistently strong.
Shortly after this, Special Guest Samreen spoke about discipline and well-being, steering the conversation toward balance. She reminded the students that while skill-building was essential, it should not come at the cost of health. Pointing toward the displayed garments, she noted how the students were now able to create designs they once only admired in shop windows, calling it a meaningful step forward.
“I belong to the same community; I know and understand you, so I would like to congratulate each one of you for hard work, dedication, and determination,” she said.
Followed by this, the guest of honor, Dr. Ramsa Jaan, addressing the students, spoke about her own journey and urged them to overcome hesitation and build confidence. She encouraged them to keep learning and not limit themselves.
“We have to always keep our mindset positive and move forward with hard work and consistency,” she said.
Pointing out the positivity that the competition instilled in the participants, she said, “I really liked one thing: no one said they made the dress; everyone said they made it. Appreciating this collective effort is a huge blessing in itself.
“The day we put aside our ego and start working, understand that day we will not only move forward but we will run,” she added.
The competition concluded with the announcement of winners, with Groups B, C, and D securing the top positions, the moment carrying a mix of emotions, witnessing both cheers and acceptance.
Followed by these certificates and gifts were distributed to all the winners, bringing a wide smile on their faces.
Certificate Distribution Ceremony
Next, what elevated the excitement was the certificate distribution ceremony for the completion of a six-month stitching course. As each name was called, students walked up to the stage, some smiling broadly, others lowering their gaze as they accepted their certificates. Alongside the certificates, stitching kits were also distributed, a gesture that extended the purpose of the program beyond the ceremony itself—equipping the students with tools to continue their work independently.
“I didn’t know anything when I first came here. “I’ve learned everything here, and I feel very happy,” said Mehwish, a student at Sabaat, on receiving the course completion certificate.
Moving towards the end of the session, Aasif Mujtaba, Founder and Director of Miles2Smile, said the initiative was aimed at helping young women become self-reliant through skill-building, emphasizing that such programs were not just about learning a craft but about opening pathways to independence.
“All of you have to move ahead, be very successful; we are with you, standing with you to provide all the resources; you just have to work hard,” he said.
The event ended with a photo session, where the earlier formality dissolved into laughter and relaxed conversations. Groups gathered around their mannequins; friends stood shoulder to shoulder holding certificates.
Empowering Women, Building Futures through Sabaat
The ‘Sabaat’ initiative is one of Miles2Smile’s efforts to empower women, especially those who have endured hardship, including survivors of the Northeast Delhi Pogrom 2020 and other underprivileged women.
Through the Stitching Centre, Miles2Smile offers a variety of courses designed to meet the needs of underprivileged women. These courses provide vocational skills such as stitching, tailoring, nail art, and more. Its goal is to help these women stay aligned with society by equipping them with essential skills. The organisation also conducts training workshops to ensure they learn with ease.
In addition, the organisation offers training in entrepreneurship development, personality development, small business accounting, financial literacy, soft skills, and health & hygiene. Women who complete the training at the center will have the opportunity to contribute to various projects within the organization, such as producing garments for sale or assisting in the production of goods for other NGOs or businesses.
About Miles2Smile: Established nearly five years ago, the Miles2Smile Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on marginalized communities in India. From the crisis response during the pandemic to ongoing efforts in education and advocacy, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Other Glimpses of the Event
