Amidst the battle against COVID-19 and the lock down imposed to mitigate the spread of the disease, the students at Vogue Institute of Art and Design volunteered to make masks for those who are working for the community. Students Nikita Kesari, Sundeep Rajan, and Hrutvik Rajhans proactively supported the community in their best capacity.

The students were motivated to address the immediate need for face masks with domestically made masks that were simple yet effective. The faculty suggested the students to work on stitch-less mask designs. The young volunteers came forward and took the initiative to make 1500 masks for shopkeepers, fruits and vegetable vendors, community workers and people who could not afford masks as they were at high risk. The masks were made with the use of cotton and rayon fabrics. The students also extended support to the poor, elderly and blind by supplying daily necessities and food. While executing this, the students took the support of local authorities and policemen to distribute the masks. The students took all safety measures while executing this activity. They ensured to wear masks and surgical gloves, maintained distance, and washed their hands regularly.

Speaking about this initiative, Dr Vijaya Kumar, Principal, Vogue Institute of Art and Design stated, “We are proud of our students’ efforts, their desire and commitment to support the community at a crucial time like this. We are certain that their efforts will be fruitful in helping the community stay safe. We advised our students to ensure safety measures were taken while executing this activity. A group of faculty members and students are working on designer mask concepts which we aim to develop after relaxation of the lockdown. We would like to continue efforts to support the country in reducing the impact of this crisis.”

Sundeep Rajan, PGDM, Fashion Retail Management student at Vogue Institute of Art and Design stated, “My father has been my inspiration to put in efforts to serve the people. When I saw so many people at high risk to get their daily necessities, I realized it’s essential for me to do my bit for the people in need. That’s when I decided to work with the local authorities and be a part of the support system.”

Hrutvik Rajhans, B.Sc Fashion and Apparel Design Department student said, “While shopping for groceries, I saw many people without masks. Some of them were just wearing a muffler around their face. That’s when I decided to start making masks using cotton fabric that was available at home. My parents and faculty were supportive of my decision and we distributed the masks to people in our society, shopkeeper vendors and community workers.”

Nikita Kesari, B.Sc Fashion and Apparel Design student at Vogue Institute of Art and Design mentioned, “When the crisis took place, I thought about the poor community who could only afford their basic necessities. For them, essentials like masks were far beyond their limit. As masks are extremely important now, I realized the best way to support them is by making the masks on my own. I decided to utilise my time in a better way by making these masks as it can help me in my profession as a fashion student, and also help the people who are in need.”