Giant skybag that was VCCI toast lies in tatters

VADODARA: A suitcase, which was once the country's largest skybag, is now lying abandoned here. The skybag was created by a city-based company for the Vadodara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Vfair in 1999.
The skybag, which was 13.3 feet long, 4.16 feet wide and 8.75 feet tall, was noted for its enormous size when displayed at the Navlakhi Ground.
"The bag was made under the guidance of Thomas Varghese, who worked with the sportswear company then.It was one of the main attractions of the event. The bag got lot of attention owing to its size," VCCI president Nilesh Shukla said.
The makers of the bag invested around Rs 85,000 on it. It was built in 105 hours by eight people for the exhibition. The bag entered Limca Book of Records for being the biggest skybag in 1999. "I, former chief minister Keshubhai Patel and MP Jayaben Thakkar signed to nominate the skybag for a national record," added Shukla.
After the exhibition, the bag was shifted to Kamatibaug to be displayed there for an event, but is currently lying in tatters behind the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery. The bag continues to amuse morning walkers and photographers at the park.
"I spotted the bag on one of my photography expedition. Since it looked like a large suitcase, I was curious and searched for 'largest bags in Vadodara' on the internet. I found some background details about the bag," said Kaushik Ghelani, a photography enthusiast.
"The bag was brought here to be displayed for an event and was left here. The materials used for making it cannot last for long," said director of gardens and parks at Vadodara Municipal Corporation, V R Chikhalia.