The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Textile Leadership Conclave 2025 on March 8, 2025, at the Golden Glory Hall, Karnavati Club, Ahmedabad. This event continued the legacy of previous conclaves by fostering discussions on key industry challenges and opportunities, with a special focus on technical textiles, improving cotton yield, and promoting startups in the sector.
Inaugural Address and Vision for the Industry
In his welcome address, GCCI President Shri Sandeep Engineer highlighted the significance of the conclave in addressing the needs of the textile industry. He underscored the transformative potential of technical textiles in positioning India as a global leader in the evolving sector. Expressing his gratitude to esteemed speakers and participants, he emphasized the importance of innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration to unlock new opportunities.
Following this, Shri Saurin Parikh, Chairman of the GCCI Textile Task Force, delivered the theme address, outlining the pivotal role of technical textiles in diverse fields such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and fashion. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to drive research and development in high-performance materials.
Panel Discussion: Opportunities in Technical Textiles for India
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Shri Ashwin Thakkar, Advisor, GCCI Textile Taskforce. The discussion featured an esteemed panel of experts, including:
- Shri Nirav Shah, Diagonal Consulting (India)
- Shri Kumar Abhishek, Unified Knowledge Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Dr. Amit Bagthalia, Health2Hygiene
- Shri Vikas Sharma, Gherzi Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
The panelists explored the expanding applications of technical textiles, identifying key growth areas in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. They also emphasized:
- The rising demand for technical textiles across various sectors.
- The importance of innovation and research in developing high-performance materials.
- The need for government policies and industry partnerships to drive the sector forward.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The conclave featured thought-provoking presentations from renowned industry experts:
- Dr. Sundararaman KS, Managing Director, Shiva Texyarn Limited, shared insights on sustainable practices and technological innovations in the textile industry.
- Shri Yogesh Kusumgar, Founder, Kusumgar Pvt. Ltd., elaborated on the role of technical textiles in producing high-performance materials for various applications.
- Shri Nirav Mehta, Partner, Dima Products, emphasized the importance of technical textiles in product development and enhancing global competitiveness.
Cotton Crop Yield Mission: Enhancing Productivity
A special session focused on India’s cotton productivity and sustainable cultivation techniques. This initiative aligns with the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’, as announced by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2025. The five-year mission aims to:
- Increase India’s cotton yield from 461 kgs per hectare to the global average of 850 kgs per hectare.
- Promote the cultivation of extra-long staple cotton varieties to enhance quality and market value.
Recognition and Felicitation
Honoring Farmers for Outstanding Cotton Yield
To acknowledge the contributions of farmers in improving cotton productivity, GCCI felicitated several outstanding farmers who achieved above-average yields:
- Shri Damrela Ramreddy
- Shri Sanjay Autade
- Shri Jagdish Goyani
- Shri Rajesh Karwasra
Women Entrepreneurs in Technical Textiles
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the conclave recognized women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to technical textiles:
- Ms. Jyotika Nagri, Director, Shri Ambica Polymer Pvt. Ltd.
- Ms. Nupur Solanki, CEO, Om Industrial Fabrics
Their contributions underscore the growing influence of women in the textile industry, driving innovation and leadership in technical textiles.
Spotlight on Startups: Innovation in Technical Textiles
The event provided an exclusive platform for startups to showcase groundbreaking ideas and innovations in technical textiles. The featured startups included:
- Ashray Architecture Solution – Founded by Mr. Sanjay Bambhaniya, this startup presented sustainable architectural solutions using technical textiles.
- Orgro Fibre LLP – Founded by Mr. Gaurav Parmar, this venture focuses on the use of organic fibers in technical textiles.
- Braids India – Founded by Mr. Neil Patel, the company demonstrated innovative applications of braided textiles across various industries.
The conclave attracted participation from a diverse range of textile industry stakeholders, including representatives from the ginning, spinning, weaving, processing, garmenting, technical textiles, and machinery manufacturing sectors across India.
Upcoming GCCI Events
GCCI announced two major upcoming industry events aimed at fostering business growth and innovation:
- GCCI Annual Trade Expo (GATE 2025)
- Dates: April 10-12, 2025
- Venue: Vigyan Bhavan, Science City, Ahmedabad
- Focus: Showcasing industry innovations and facilitating business collaborations.
- Farm to Fashion 2025
- Dates: May 11-14, 2025
- Venue: Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar
- Organized in collaboration with K&D Communication Ltd. and Maskati Cloth Market Mahajan Association
- Theme: Highlighting the journey from cotton farming to fashion, with an emphasis on sustainability and technological advancements.
Conclusion
The Textile Leadership Conclave 2025 successfully facilitated in-depth discussions on technical textiles, cotton productivity, and the startup ecosystem. With valuable insights from industry leaders, a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions, and recognition of outstanding contributions, the conclave reinforced India’s potential as a global leader in textiles.
By fostering collaboration, policy support, and technological advancements, GCCI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the textile industry, driving growth, and enhancing competitiveness on the world stage.
