Srinidhi Ramesh Shetty Instagram – India is known world over for its colourful festivals and its traditions, however this year at supranational, I, Srinidhi Shetty – Miss Supranational India 2016, will reveal one of the hidden treasures of India. My national costume is themed “THE FUSION BRIDE, OF THE INDIAN TRIBES”. With the ancient nature friendly attitude, the soil of India gave birth to many indigenous tribes. The silhouette of various parts of the garment cover various regional tribes of India. The crown is inspired by the North east and Eastern Bengali tribes, the choli (blouse) is inspired by the North with tribes from Kashmiri, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh; the skirt and the mask draw inspiration from the Southern tribes, while the skirt holds in colour the Western Warli tribes of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Fusing khadi cotton, yak wool and Indian silk brocade, the garment features textiles of the country. The national animal the tiger and the national flower the lotus are symbolically represented in the garment to state that just like our national animal is endangered and our national flower is gentle, our Indians tribes face the pressures of modernization and industrialization; and they are gentle. We as a forward thinking and youthful generation of people must consider to bridge the gap of convenient living and encourage the survival of these tribes that hold a unique history and beauty to add to the diversity of India. And with spirituality as the bridegroom, India will, as the bride, take up the responsibility to protect, care and mother the future survival of its tribes. National costume designer: Melvyn Dominic Noronha Fashion Director: Kavita Lakhani