New Delhi: For Podiyam Raje, 25, the transition from the jungles of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma to the spotlight of a fashion ramp with all lights and cameras focussed on her, seemed almost effortless. Nothing in her poise on the ramp hinted at her rebellious past. Draped in Chhattisgarhi Kosa silk, she owned the stage.
A week of training with a Mumbai stylist had clearly paid off. Raje was among nine surrendered Maoist cadres from Sukma, once a stronghold of Left Wing Extremism (LWE), who walked the ramp at an event in Raipur on 7 August.
The 21-participant fashion show was organised by the Chhattisgarh Handloom Federation on National Handloom Day.
Stylists were flown in from Mumbai, the best handloom pieces were selected, makeup artists were brought on board, and the nine participants, including Raje, were brought from Sukma by the Chhattisgarh government.
“Never had I seen anything like this in my life. I had never worn anything so high-quality, shiny or stylish. I could hardly recognise myself after I got ready,” Raje told ThePrint in broken Hindi from a rehabilitation centre in Sukma. “I can never forget that day. It is such a vivid memory that I will always hold close to my heart.”
All nine participants walked the ramp alongside 12 models and Femina Miss India East 2026 Anushka Sone. Apart from Raje, the eight other surrendered Maoist cadres featured in the event are Medium Gangi, Madvi Deve, Madvi Nadanni, Madvi Male, Doddi Rame, Madkam Bhime, Punem Joytti, and Punem Deve. All nine are from Sukma and have received skills training at the rehabilitation centre there.
According to the Chhattisgarh Police, they were active as armed cadres in the South Bastar region before surrendering their weapons and joining the mainstream.
“We had reached Raipur a week ago, and the person had trained us well on how to carry those dresses and walk with confidence. I was so nervous to have done that,” Raje said.
After joining the banned outfit in 2018, Raje was part of an armed cadre in the Konta area of Sukma and carried an INSAS rifle. She surrendered in Hyderabad in March.
“The most inspiring and emotional moment of the event was when surrendered Naxalite women from Bastar walked the ramp in an indigenous fashion show. These women confidently showcased Chhattisgarh’s Kosa silk and handloom garments,” a Chhattisgarh Handloom department spokesperson said in a statement.
This presentation, the spokesperson said, was not merely a fashion show.
“It symbolised a new identity for women moving towards self-reliance by integrating into the mainstream, as well as a positive image of a transforming Bastar.
“The audience cheered them on. During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with them and extended his best wishes. Notably, for almost all these surrendered women, it was their first visit to Raipur, and the moment became etched in their memories forever.”
Apart from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, former chief minister and Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, Commerce and Industries Minister Lakhan Dewangan, and Education Minister Gajendra Yadav attended the event held last week.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
Also Read: From ‘jal, jungle, jameen’ to jobs: Surrendered Maoists seek new lives with state rehabilitation