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Make Poverty History on Rakhi Day 2005

The specially designed band featured the words ‘Make Poverty History’ with a Hindi inscription of ‘sisters and brothers unite’.

NOTE: This is a page about our 2005 rakhi band. Find out about the 2006 fairtrade rakhi here.

We made a limited edition version of the Make Poverty History white band for Rakhi Day 2005 and it was a runaway success…

The specially designed band, with a Hindi inscription of ‘sisters and brothers unite’, completely sold out, and we had all kinds of people – from all religious backgrounds – talking about it too.

Talvin Singh & Veronica showing off our Rakhi white bands

Talvin Singh and Veronica show off their Make Poverty History Rakhi bands.

Musicians, actors and celebs – including Talvin Singh, Veronica, Raghav and Shobna Gulati – all supported what we were doing.

We also went to Melas and Temples all over the UK – including Coventry, Harrow, Pinner, Stanmore and Liverpool – and got a big mention in newspapers like the Asian Times and Eastern Eye, and on radio, including BBC 5 Live, BBC Asian Network (see right) and Sunrise Radio.

Everyone was really supportive, including a temple in Birmingham where the kids helped us sell the bands. We even wrapped the Vishwa Hindu Kendra Temple in Southall, London in a special white band. Sudarshan Bhatia, president of the temple, said: “The significance of tying Rakhi is an obligation of the brave and strong to protect and help the weak and poor. We should support this campaign as individuals, as an institution, as society and as a nation irrespective of race, religion or politics.”

Vishwa Hindu Kendra Temple in Southall, London wrapped in a giant Rakhi white band.

The Vishwa Hindu Kendra Temple in Southall, London wrapped in a giant Rakhi white band.


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Make Poverty History
Make Poverty History Campaign
Oxfam and others came together in 2005 for Make Poverty History.
Nivi feeds her brother on Rakhi Day
Nivi's Rakhi Photo Album
Campaigner Nivi Narang celebrated Rakhi Day with her brother.
Saris For Oxfam
Sari Mela - Saris For Oxfam
A project to collect saris, shalwar kameez, bindis, and bangles, and to sell them at UK festivals over the summer for Oxfam.
BBC Asian Network
BBC Asian Network broadcast a series of special interviews with celebrities who supported our Rakhi initiative. Use the links below to listen online.
Juggy D Mon Aug 15
Juggy D
Windows Media
MP3
Nina Wadia Tue Aug 16
Nina Wadia
Windows Media
MP3
Veronica Wed Aug 17
Veronica
Windows Media
MP3
Raghav Thu Aug 18
Raghav
Windows Media
MP3
Nikki Bedi Fri Aug 19
Nikki Bedi
Windows Media
MP3



 
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