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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know NYFW By MyDream Marks Decade Milestone With Global Runway Showcase In New York N YFW by MyDream transformed the Hard Rock Hotel NewYork into an international fashion destination on Feb. 14, celebrating 10 years of global programming with a showcase that blended culture, couture and philanthropy. The 2026 event marked the culmina- tion of MyDream’s “Decade of Excellence (2017–2026)” and brought together designers, models and media from the United States, India, the United Kingdom and Canada. The program was produced by MyDream Global, powered by MydreamTVUSA and executed by MyDream Entertainment. Streaming platform ZEE5 served as the of- ficial media partner, while Bloomé NewYork supported the production as beauty partner, overseeing backstage and runway styling. The evening concluded with a grand finale presentation by Bollywood designer Vikram Phadnis, internationally known for dressing leading film celebrities and shaping contem- porary Indian couture. His finale featured intricate craftsmanship and cinematic styling, closing the runway with a dramatic flourish. A central highlight was Riwaayat FashionWeek New York, which showcased heritage craftsmanship on an international platform. Designers Vaishaali Kumar and Shamaeel Ansari presented collections that blended tra- ditional textile artistry with modern silhouettes. The event opened with the MyDream Bikini Showcase, featuring models selected through official NewYork cast- ings. Organizers said the segment emphasized diversity, empowerment and contemporary fashion expression. Additional designers included Rosy Ahluwa- lia, Trikala Trends by Ami, Shri Jilmisht by Jinal & Shraddha, Priyal Doshi Couture, Oitijhyo by Anusmita, Priti Amara Collection, Vastram by Saumya and Vaishaali Kumar, reflecting a mix of heritage-driven and contemporary aesthet- ics. An emotional moment came during the “Fashion for a Cause” segment, which featured pageant queens and blind cricket players from Samarthanam USA. The athletes’ runway ap- pearance drew a standing ovation, underscor- ing the philanthropic focus of the MyDream Global Foundation and its emphasis on empowerment and inclusivity. MyDream Global is led by CEO and founder Rashmi Bedi, Managing Director and Co- founder Janak Bedi, and President Surya Bedi, who also serves as editor-in-chief of MyDream Magazine. Over the past decade, the organization has expanded its portfolio to include international fashion weeks, pageants, media productions and global talent platforms. MydreamTVUSA operates as its media division, while MyDream Entertainment man- ages production and live event execution. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:MyDreamUSA Rashmi Bedi walks the runway while introducing models during NYFW by MyDream 2026 at the Hard Rock Hotel New York. T he UN, led by UNESCO, celebrated the International Mother Language Day on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in several of its offices across the world. The day was also observed by NewYork State. Focusing on the role of youth in achieving multilinguism, the 2026 theme for the day was “Youth voices on multilingual educa- tion”, which emphasized the crucial role of young people in defending and revitalizing languages, especially through technology and digital content. The theme also stressed the role of language as a means of communication central to identity, learning, well-being and participation in society. Aiming to foster a dialogue between young people and educators and policymakers, the 2026 celebrations focused on the role of lan- guages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goal of equitable access to education and lifelong learning op- portunities for all individuals. The theme was in keeping with the UN acknowledgement of young people playing a vital role in keeping a language alive through use of technology and digital content created in diverse languages, and the UN support of education in mother languages. UNESCO has also been supporting multilingualism in cyberspace through global policy frameworks, partnerships and initiatives. The Division of Conference Management at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) celebrated the day with events highlighting the cultural wealth and language abilities of its staff and partners. The UNOG also launched the Mul- tilingualism Champions initiative which invited heads of UN agencies in Geneva to commit to become Multilin- gualism Champions by undertaking one action every year to promote multilingualism within their organizations. UNESCO Headquarters in Paris held a virtual Campus event on February 13, 2026, titled “Many languages, one future: Youth voices on multilingual education”, which aimed at safeguarding linguistic diversity and promot- ing multilingualism in education. The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgradu- ate teaching organization headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The virtual event for students aged 13–18 featured chats with international experts and peers from all regions, and sharing of experiences to identify concrete actions to promote linguistic diversity in their schools and communities. UNESCO Paris also organized on Febru- ary 20, 2026, a high level panel discussion for member states. Organized by the Permanent Delegation of Bangladesh, chief speakers at the panel included Khondker M. Talha, Presi- dent of the General Conference, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Bangladesh to UNESCO. Nasser Hamad Hinzab, President of the Executive Board, Ambassador and Perma- nent Delegate of Qatar to UNESCO also spoke, followed by an address by UNESCO Director- General Prof. Khaled El-Enany. The panel also included a keynote address on the future of mother languages in the AI era by Prof. Damián Blasi. A ministerial panel discussion moderated by UNESCO Assis- tant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini examined the role of language in peacebuilding and sustainable development, concluding with an evening of cultural performances. The State of NewYork celebrated the International Mother Language Day representing the state’s cultural and linguistic diversity, and honoring the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh. Bangla is one of over 800 mother languages spoken across NewYork State. NewYork state also gives an individual right to access state programs, benefits, and services, no matter what language one speaks, and provides free interpretation services and translations in many languages. International Day Of Mother Languages Celebrated At UN And UNESCO By Archana Adalja PHOTO:COURTESY UN Many Languages One Future virtual event organized February 13, 2026 by the United Nations University for students ages 13-18. 8 CITY VIEWS February 27, 2026