Agnimitra Paul shares her journey from the world of fashion to politics at a city event

On Wednesday, Prayas hosted Looms to Leadership, an inspiring evening featuring Agnimitra Paul, Minister-in-Charge of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, in conversation with dancer-choreographer Avirup Sengupta.

The initiative celebrated stories of leadership, creativity and change, bringing together students, dignitaries and members of the community. The evening saw dignitaries felicitating Paul, followed by a dance recital by Prayas students. Adding to the cultural fervour, Avirup joined in a dance performance as singer Riddhi Bandopadhyay mesmerised the audience with her soulful renditions. In her interaction with Avirup, Agnimitra spoke about her journey from fashion to public service, the importance of balancing different roles in life, and inspiring future generations to contribute meaningfully towards building a cleaner, greener and more inclusive society.

Excerpts from the event.

Beyond the runway: A fashion icon searching for purpose

Agnimitra Paul spent nearly two decades building a successful career in fashion after launching her label in 1997. From designing for films and celebrities to curating fashion shows, she established herself as one of the country's recognised fashion names. “Yet, amid the glamour and acclaim, I found myself asking a deeper question: What more could I do for our society?,” said Agnimitra, adding, “And here I am today.

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Fashion with a cause: giving voice to the marginalised

Long before entering public life, Paul used fashion as a platform for social change. Her shows highlighted the stories of acid attack survivors, trafficked girls and visually impaired children, bringing attention to communities that often remained unseen. “I also worked with the tiger widows of the Sundarbans, helping create workshops where women who had lost their husbands to tiger attacks could earn livelihoods by making garments.

These experiences exposed me to resilience, hardship and human courage, gradually shaping my desire to contribute on a larger scale,” said Agnimitra.

Choosing service over comfort: A journey of resilience

The decision to step away from the comfort of a successful fashion career and embrace public life was not an easy one. Coming from a business family, her choice was met with concern and apprehension. The transition also brought her face-to-face with difficult realities-stories of violence, grief and vulnerable families seeking help.

“Having grown up in a protected environment, I have learned to become stronger with every experience.

Through it all, my family remained my unwavering support system, while the love and trust of ordinary people gave me the strength to continue on a journey defined not by reinvention alone, but by purpose and service,” she shared.

Reimagining Bengal’s future“I believe Bengal has immense potential. For many years, we have lagged behind in industrial growth, and now we need to change that narrative.

Our government is open to fresh ideas and collaborations that can create jobs, boost development and reshape the image of the state. Whatever positive ideas people bring to the table, we are ready to listen and work on them,” Paul adds, emphasising her belief in collective efforts to build a better future.

Agnimitra also shared, “I have had the same phone number for the past 30 years. I request everyone to send me their ideas on WhatsApp so that together we can make our city beautiful, green, and litter-free.

We are only a month into this journey, so give us some time as we work towards the betterment and beautification of our city.”

Women can balance many roles, but perfection is a myth

Speaking about balancing multiple roles in life, Agnimitra said that women possess an innate strength that allows them to multitask and manage different responsibilities simultaneously. “I think God has given women a different strength. I am not undermining men as some men also can multitask with ease, but women have an inborn ability to balance many things at once,” she said.

However, she stressed that balance does not mean perfection.

“I couldn’t be a perfect mother. My two sons will probably say that. I couldn’t be a perfect wife or a perfect daughter either,” she shared. For Agnimitra, pursuing her dream of working for people does not harm anyone and, therefore, deserves commitment. She encouraged women to pursue their aspirations without guilt.“We have only one life. If there is something you truly want, you must fulfil it in this lifetime.

It may require a few sacrifices, but at the end of your life, you should not have any regrets,” she said, adding that as long as one’s dreams do not hurt others, every woman has the right to pursue her own desires and ambitions.

Politics needs more respect, better values and fresh ideas

Addressing the impact of criticism and negativity on mental health, Agnimitra admitted that politics has exposed her to a level of hostility she had never encountered in her earlier life and career.“I have never heard so many bad things in school, college, in my family or even in my designing career. But politics, especially in Bengal, has seen a decline in values, and we do not want politics to be like this,” she said.She maintained that differences in ideology should not lead to personal attacks. “Your ideology may be different from mine, but that does not mean we should speak disrespectfully or attack each other below the belt.

We can argue and discuss, but we must not be disrespectful,” said Agnimitra. Agnimitra said that the toxic nature of politics discourages young people from entering public life and worries parents about their children’s future in politics.

She believes the country needs educated, capable and well-intentioned people to join public service.“Go abroad if you wish, build your career, but come back and work for your country.

We need good people, educated people and fresh ideas,” she said.She also credited Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari's leadership for promoting a more inclusive political culture, where leaders across party lines are treated with respect. According to her, development should rise above political divisions.“Politics is politics, but if someone wants to work for the people and contribute to Bengal’s development, we should work together.

We want to respect everyone and focus on development. That is our only mantra,” she said.BOX:

Present at the event, Rituparna Sengupta took the opportunity to say a few words for her long time friend, Agnimitra Paul. The actress said, "This is special because to see one of my friends, who has been like family, who began her career as a completely different person and has evolved today. She has been like the cynosure of all eyes today, and she is here-she is none other than Agnimitra Paul.

She has made us so proud, that I don't know how to express my feelings.

I am feeling very emotional sitting here today and listening to Agni's story. Truly, a person’s journey-how a woman has to fight so hard to reach this position. But despite any regrets, I think she has done it all." She went on to add, "From what we have seen of you, Agni you have been like a great mother, you have been like a great professional person in your career, and you have been a great person for the people. The way you have thought about people's journeys is the way you have sort of navigated yourself into a completely different dimension. I think we are so proud of you, seeing how a woman can reach such great heights through sheer struggle, determination, grit, and love. You are our inspiration!"Pics: Samik Sen