LAHORE: Fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) will give talented but resource-less youths a chance to materialise their dreams under an initiative he has launched, titled ‘Musafir’.

Hailing from various walks of life, 24 youths have been selected who will be extended every possible help to make a name for themselves in their areas of choice, said Yasin -- popularly known as HSY.

“I personally reached out to these people and told them HSY is there to guide and facilitate them on professional or even personal levels. For example, if someone comes to me with a plan to hold a music concert at his or her workplace I will be there for guidance. I have been posting videos of their ideas on social media as well,” the fashion icon told Dawn in a chit chat over the weekend.

Mr Yasin said he had been a leading fashion personality for 25 years, but now he had realised it was time that he celebrated those common souls who were not celebrated generally. He believes that this generation must get up and become positive thinkers to build a society based on tolerance, peace and love. “People should be extending helping hands to each other in society now. I wish to see these 24 youths extending help to as many other talented but resource-less people next year. Takay diyay se diya jalta jaye aur roshni hoti jaye chaar su.”

“People believe or are of the view that HSY only make dresses for the rich. Yes I do, but besides laying foundation of ‘Musafir’, I have also for the very first time introduced an extremely affordable line for those who cannot afford costly outfits ranging from Rs3,000 to Rs15,000,” he claimed, while expressing optimism that some leading clothing lines might offer him fabric to do more for another batch of young people.

“You see people every time blame the government for every problem. But I think that as citizens of this country we should also share some responsibility to help those who are underprivileged. As a matter of fact, we don’t have role models except from movies, television or cricket. We need to build a society which should have role models in every walk of life,” Yasin maintained.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2018