By Dhruti Sanghvi
The textile sector needs to focus on recycle, upcycle, and promote conscious consumerism for elevating Indian economy. The panel discussion held on the sidelines of Craft Bazaar organized by National Institute of Fashion Technology Daman Campus emphasized the importance of creating awareness about fashion education and institutions like NIFT in highlighting the need for parents to be open-minded and supportive of careers in fashion and textiles. The panel featured six experienced professionals from the textile industry along with students from NIFT. Members spoke about the importance of educating the public on sustainable practices and the role everyone can play in reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly fashion.
Innovation in the textile industry was discussed in terms of technology, design, and materials that can lead to a more efficient and sustainable future. The panel also underlined how deeply textiles are embedded in India’s culture and traditions, through handicrafts and the work of artisans. One panelist mentioned that “every third person in India is somehow connected to the textile industry,” showcasing the sector’s massive impact and significance.
NIFT student connected the textile sector with the primary sector (agriculture for raw materials like cotton), the secondary sector (manufacturing), and the tertiary sector (services such as fashion communication) indicating the holistic integration of textiles across India’s economic framework. The panel discussed the social media’s role in promoting artisans and traditional crafts. They the use of digital platforms to tell stories, build awareness, and support local talent. They stressed that social media, when used wisely, can help bridge the gap between consumers and creators.
The discussion concluded that empowering women and artisans from textile sector is the short cut way to easily boost the economy. Ensuring their basic needs like food, water, shelter will be automatically enable them to sustain their craft and contribute meaningfully to the industry and the country.
