The world of
fashion is often associated with beauty and glamour, but LIT Freedom Fashion
has redefined the industry by merging it with a higher purpose—advocacy for
critical societal issues. An initiative of My Precious Life, an organization
with a mission to empower individuals through counseling and workshops, the LIT
Freedom Fashion show was born out of a desire to create real impact through
creativity and style.
At the heart
of this movement is Anuradha Das, the visionary leader behind My Precious Life.
A multi-talented personality, Anuradha is not just a pastor but also a writer,
producer, coach, motivational speaker, and counselor. Her journey from personal
struggles with depression and trauma to becoming a successful leader and
philanthropist is truly inspiring. Through her unwavering faith and boundless
compassion, Anuradha founded My Precious Life, guiding people of all ages to
overcome life’s challenges with resilience and self-love.
Anuradha’s
leadership extends beyond the pulpit and counseling room. She understood that
change comes from creating awareness and providing platforms where people can
voice their struggles. Thus, in 2021, she launched the first LIT Fashion Show
during Christmas, a unique event that combined the glitz of a fashion show with
a meaningful cause. The theme of the inaugural event was fighting depression,
bringing attention to an often hidden struggle. Models walked the runway, each
representing the importance of mental health and the courage to seek
help.
The next
year, in 2022, LIT Freedom Fashion tackled another critical issue—anti-suicide
awareness. The runway transformed into a platform of hope, as participants
shared stories of survival and triumph. The theme resonated deeply with
audiences, sparking conversations about the importance of mental well-being and
the need to reach out in times of despair.
In 2023, LIT
took on the theme of domestic violence, an issue that affects millions
worldwide. The event not only highlighted the physical and emotional toll of
domestic violence but also celebrated the strength of survivors. It was a
powerful reminder that fashion can be a catalyst for change, bringing attention
to the most pressing societal issues.
The journey
continued in 2024 with the theme “Unmasking Depression.” Once again, the runway
became a place of healing and awareness, this time focusing on the silent
battles many fight daily. The show featured emotionally charged performances
and designs, encouraging people to unmask their pain and find the support they
need.
Mission
and Vision of LIT Freedom Fashion
LIT Freedom
Fashion is not just a fashion event; it is a platform for empowerment. Its
mission is to use the power of fashion and glamour to address critical societal
issues, raise awareness, and foster positive change. The goal is to inspire
compassion and create a safe space for open dialogue, making a meaningful
impact on the lives of those in need.
The vision
is to become a renowned global platform where fashion transcends beyond the
runway, becoming a catalyst for social transformation. By consistently
organizing events that spotlight important causes, LIT Freedom Fashion aspires
to create a world where every individual feels empowered, valued, and
supported, regardless of their circumstances.
Freedom
Fashion Magazine: Expanding the Reach
In 2023, LIT
Freedom Fashion took a bold step forward with the launch of Freedom Fashion
Magazine, an initiative by the GDMR Foundation and published by Golden Nib
Publications. The magazine is more than just a publication—it is a movement
that amplifies the voices of those fighting battles like depression, addiction,
and abuse. Each edition focuses on a different theme aligned with LIT’s yearly
cause, providing readers with inspirational stories, expert opinions, and
creative features that address societal challenges.
The magazine
has grown in popularity, reaching audiences in India and the U.S., furthering
LIT's mission to use fashion as a force for good. Freedom Fashion Magazine has
become an extension of the event, resonating deeply with the causes championed
on the runway.
Celebrity
Engagement and the Road Ahead
LIT Freedom
Fashion has garnered support from numerous celebrities and influencers,
amplifying its impact and reach. Bollywood personalities like Sudha Chandran,
fashion models like Dinesh Mohan and Ritika C Patak, Dr Prachy V Raizzada,
Sushant Kumar, and activists such as Rashmi Anand have lent their voices to the
cause. Their presence at past events has not only raised awareness but also
added credibility to LIT’s mission of blending fashion with social
consciousness.
Looking
ahead to 2025, the upcoming LIT Freedom Fashion Pageant will focus on another
crucial issue: addiction. But this time, it’s not just about substance
abuse—LIT will explore the broader spectrum of addictions, including social
media, pornography, gossip, and even unhealthy sleep patterns. By addressing
these often-overlooked forms of addiction, LIT seeks to encourage individuals
to recognize habits that may bring temporary pleasure but have long-term
negative impacts on themselves and others.
LIT: Live
in Triumph
The name
LIT, which stands for Live in Triumph, encapsulates the essence of this
movement. Each year, the event is held on August 15th, India's Independence
Day, symbolizing freedom—freedom from depression, violence, addiction, and
other struggles. It is a celebration of empowerment and resilience, a day when
models walk the runway not only in beautiful designs but also in triumph over
their personal battles.
LIT Freedom
Fashion is more than just a fashion show—it’s a platform for change, a brand
with a heart. As it continues to grow, the impact of its message and mission
deepens, proving that fashion, when used as a tool for awareness and advocacy,
can be a powerful force for good in the world.
With the
leadership of Anuradha Das and the unwavering support of celebrities,
influencers, and everyday people, LIT Freedom Fashion remains committed to its
vision of making the world a more compassionate, empowered, and informed
place.
Over the
years, LIT Freedom Fashion has garnered attention from several high-profile
figures. Some of the notable attendees include Major General Sunil Kumar
Razdan, Advocate Ashok Bhan (Supreme Court of India), Rakesh Kachroo (Director,
Fujitsu Consultancy), Amit Dubey (Director, Airbnb Global Capability Center),
Mohit Sharma (Chief Warden, Civil Defence, Haryana), Khurafati Nitin (RJ, 92.7
Big FM), Dr Rashmi Anand, (Social Worker - Nari Shakti Puraskar holder), Dr.
Nootan Yadav (CMO, Gurgaon), Sunita Yadav (Deputy Mayor, Gurgaon), Rochika
Agarwal (Spokesperson, BJP), Ravinder Pandita (Founder & Chairman, Save
Sharda Committee, Kashmir), Lalita Patwardhan (Chief Judicial
Magistrate-Cum-Secretary DLSA-cum-Nodal Officer Mediation & Conciliation
Centre Gurugram), Ritu Kumar Sharma (Advocate of Justice, Gurgaon Court),
Mukesh Gambhir (Founder, Radio Booze), Dr. Vandana Singh (Director, Global
Corporate Key Account Management, Saudia Cargo), Dr. Sarika Verma (Surgeon),
Anthony Deshuja (HSE Consultant, NHAI project), Asma Gulzar (Celebrity Guest),
Dinesh Mohan (Model), Urvashi Mittal (Social Activist), Ranjan Kumar Das
(Social Worker, CFI), Meena Gupta (Psychologist and contemporary therapist),
Deepa Pagaria (Social worker and media icon), Ritika Patak (Fashion Model).
Koushik Sheel (VM Head), Ankit Abbrol (celebrity makeup artist), Tabbu (Mrs
India Runnerup), Renny Sharma (Mrs Goa), Asmita Dutta (Mrs Queen Universe
International), Dr Manisha Koushik (Fashion Model and Microbiologist), etc.