Mumbai: Fashion designer Anjali Phougat reflects on Dussehra as a reminder that the most meaningful victories often begin within. Looking back on her journey, she says learning patience and letting go of control have been important steps in her personal growth.
“Over the years, I have learned to transform impatience into patience and the need to control outcomes into trust in the process,” she said.
For her, true strength comes from taking responsibility for one's happiness and being honest about personal shortcomings. “Growth begins when we have the courage to confront our own weaknesses with honesty and grace,” she added.
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Oct 19, 2026Her journey from a small town in India to building a global identity in fashion has taught her to look beyond circumstances. “I learned that setbacks are not the end of a journey but invitations to evolve, rebuild, and return with greater clarity,” she said.
The value she would most like to see return is integrity. “Today, we often celebrate visibility over values and success over substance,” she said, adding that leadership should be measured by the lives one uplifts rather than public recognition.
As a designer and entrepreneur, Anjali draws inspiration from the idea that fashion can stand for more than luxury. “I want my work to represent more than luxury; I want it to communicate heritage, consciousness, dignity, and social responsibility,” she said. Her work with conscious couture and social causes has also reinforced her belief that understanding people requires empathy without compromising one's values.
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Oct 19, 2026Reflecting on her biggest victory, she says it has been learning not to let fear, limitations, or others' expectations determine her future. She also points to using her platform for causes such as human trafficking awareness as an important part of her journey.
“For me, the real victory is not defeating another person; it is overcoming the limitations within ourselves and using that growth to make the world a little more compassionate,” Anjali ended.
