Meena Bindra, Founder and Chairperson of Biba, unveiled her memoir A Stitch in Time: The Biba Story and the event graced by Smriti Irani, Former Union Minister of Women and Child Development, as the Chief Guest. The book reflects on Bindra’s transformative journey, her entrepreneurial endeavours, and the evolution of Indian fashion and retail.
Bindra’s memoir recounts her journey from humble beginnings—starting her venture with an Rs 8,000 loan—to building Biba into a household name. “When I started, I had no grand ambitions, just a passion for design and a desire to earn some pocket money,” Bindra shared. She highlighted how the brand helped make the salwar kameez a pan-India staple.
The book describes Meena Bindra’s journey from early childhood in Delhi, in a business family, to her life as a naval wife from the Armed Forces and thereafter her moving towards being an entrepreneur, are all captured here very simply and captivatingly. The story is an interesting peek into how from such a humble start from home at a time when women in business was not the norm, she managed to carve out a place for herself in the fashion industry.
A Stitch in Time is the story of a woman who was able to overcome her challenges when all odds were against her, through sheer perseverance and grit. Alongside, it captures the story of the Indian fashion industry from its inception to the phenomenal growth as we see it today, through challenges, opportunities and much excitement. She was also a part of the beginning and growth of the organized retail industry and became an integral part thereof. The book captures her long journey as an entrepreneur, and the changing times of the fashion and organized retail industry in India through four decades, with its trials, tribulations, challenges and successes.
Speaking at the event, Smriti Irani celebrated Bindra’s legacy, stating, “BIBA has been a monumental force behind conserving and advancing the Indian textile industry. Meena Bindra’s courage to start a business at 40, during a time when women entrepreneurs were rare, makes her an enduring inspiration.”
The book also captures the evolution of India’s fashion and retail industries, chronicling challenges and breakthroughs over four decades. “Through this book, I want readers to see the magic of following their hearts,” Bindra added, expressing gratitude to her family and supporters.
Siddharath Bindra, Managing Director of Biba, described the book as a tribute to his mother’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit. “Her journey is about breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for women in India,” he said.
