Passions For Life - Priya Pakad, FMS Delhi

My love for textiles began in my childhood days, observing my mother stitch clothes and knit clothes for my siblings and I. Also while growing up we would travel to my parents’ hometown in Rajasthan, where our relatives would be dressed in their traditional attire. All these factors led to the birth of my passion for textiles and led me to pursue a degree in textile design. During all these years of growing up, clothing has been a source of confidence and inspiration at every life stage. Starting from college days, Forever 21 was our go to brand for shopping for clothes. The brand resonated with our mindset and philosophy of freedom, self expression and carefree living. Doing things in style was our mantra and Forever 21 was our ambassador. I remember standing in long queues with my friends to shop the coolest of clothes their stores during sale time. Then came the time of growing up into young adults and getting a job. With it came responsibilities and freedom of another kind. Confidence, controlling our lives and taking charge became our agenda. And with it evolved our wardrobe to reflect our new status- smart, sharp and composed, which Pantaloons catered to. A wide range of smart yet casual clothing for office wear was easily available at Pantaloons. People was another brand that I personally liked for weekend wear, as it reflected my bohemian, free spirit when on holiday. And then after working  for a few years, the time arrived to pursue MBA and evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Sharp, crisp, well groomed, leaders of tomorrow. And again our wardrobe changed to business formals for the very first time. Allen Solly and Van Heusen were the saviours. Both the brands have great styles, colours and well fitted silhouettes that make us look like agents of change for tomorrow. All these apparel brands of Aditya Birla Group have touched my life in a very deep manner and I am sure it has touched many more lives in the country. 

While growing up I was always very creatively inclined, and created my own products using waste materials I found around the house. Once I sat stitching bags from old clothes till late in the night while the exams were on. Though my studies were never affected, my parents couldn’t understand my passion and would force me to give it up and focus on studies only. When it was time to choose a direction for graduation, I was made to select engineering and sign up for coaching. I struggled with the coaching for many months but realised that this is not my sphere for interest. I decided to confront my parents and convince them for my wish to pursue design as a field for my career. As parents coming from a certain background, my choice didn’t make sense to them. I continued to struggle with engineering coaching and felt alienated in the process. Eventually I decided to take a stand and put my foot down. My parents eventually accepted my decision to quit engineering coaching and prepare for design but they weren’t happy. This created a sense of guilt and self-doubt and took an emotional toll on me. Once I gave the entrance exams and got through the premiere design institute in the country, that is when my parents realised my potential and decided to support me. I was extremely grateful for them but the journey was tough and tiresome without support. In retrospect, the struggle made me stronger and more confident that I could handle tough situations by myself.