The Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) marked a significant milestone, hosting the Life Cycle Assessment Summit (LCAS-2025) alongside its 75th Foundation Day celebrations. The events, held in Mumbai in January 2025, underscored SASMIRA’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth within India’s technical textiles sector.
LCAS-2025: A Focus on Sustainability
On January 9th and 10th, SASMIRA hosted LCAS-2025, a pivotal summit emphasising the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) practices within the technical textiles domain. The summit was inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, highlighting the importance of sustainability and innovation in advancing India’s textile and infrastructure industries. LCAS-2025 received support from the National Technical Textiles Mission and the Department of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, solidifying its role in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing global competitiveness.
The summit attracted key policymakers and industry leaders, including Shri Rajeev Saxena (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI), Smt. Roop Rashi (Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, GoI), Smt. Anshu Sinha (IAS, Principal Secretary, Textiles, Government of Maharashtra), and Shri Ashok Malhotra (Mission Director, National Technical Textiles Mission, Ministry of Textiles, GoI). Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable development within the textile industry.
A key highlight of LCAS-2025 was the unveiling of technological innovations. SASMIRA, in collaboration with Lohia Corp Ltd., presented a circular weaving technology for creating seamless tubular geotextiles. This innovation addresses critical challenges in soil reinforcement and infrastructure development. Furthermore, Eve Essential, a start-up supported by SASMIRA, showcased a reusable period panty, promoting sustainable solutions for personal hygiene.
The summit also recognised and honoured industry leaders for their contributions, including Shri Yogesh K. Kusumgar, Shri Raj Kumar Lohia, Shri Vayu R. Garware, Shri Mayoor C. Gandhi, Shri Sanjay Tibrewala, and Shri Anjani Prasad. Shri Manish Raval was acknowledged for his exceptional start-up contributions, and Shri Sanjay Saini, Scientist D at SASMIRA, received the Excellence in Research & Innovation award.
LCAS-2025 featured technical sessions focusing on LCA frameworks, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. Prominent organisations such as ECOINVENT, Sphera, Mitsubishi Chemicals, Grasim Industries, Saurer, Trutzschler, LMW, Teijin, Lenzing, and Dow Chemicals participated, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions. The event was supported by the Maharashtra State Co-operative Textile Federation Ltd, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT), ECOINVENT, and Reliance Industries Ltd.
SASMIRA’s 75th Foundation Day: A Legacy of Excellence
On January 12, 2025, SASMIRA celebrated its 75th Foundation Day, commemorating 75 years of dedication to textile research, education, and industry development. Founded in 1950, SASMIRA has been instrumental in advancing the man-made textile industry in India, contributing significantly to its scientific and technological progress.
The grand ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Hon’ble Padma Vibhushan Emeritus Professor Shri Man Mohan Sharma, a renowned expert in Chemical Science, Engineering, and Technology, and Guest of Honor Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner, Government of India. Other key dignitaries included Shree Mihir R. Mehta (President, SASMIRA), Smt. Smita Yeole (Vice President, SASMIRA), and Dr. Ashok Tiwari (Director General, SASMIRA).
Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra highlighted the rapid global expansion of India’s textile industry, projecting a turnover of $300 billion by 2030, a significant increase from the current $172 billion. She emphasised the need to attract young talent to the sector, addressing the growing preference for careers in IT and Computer Science. Prof. Man Mohan Sharma applauded SASMIRA’s contributions to education, research, and development, urging the institution to introduce a Degree Course in Textiles, expanding beyond its current Diploma courses.
Shri Mihir Mehta announced the commencement of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, spanning from January 2025 to January 2026, featuring a series of events, including public gatherings, conferences, competitions, exhibitions, and a mega fashion show.
SASMIRA honoured its former leaders, including Maganlal Doshi, Sunil Mehta, and Ramesh Chandra Mehta, for their invaluable contributions. Prof. M.D. Teli and Shri Ullhas Nimkar were also felicitated for their contributions to the Indian textile industry. A Coffee Table Book showcasing SASMIRA’s 75-year journey and a documentary film chronicling its legacy was launched.
Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations: A Cultural Extravaganza
As part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, SASMIRA hosted a High Tea followed by a Live Musical Concert on January 16, 2025, at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Worli. The event featured Shriram Iyer and was attended by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Shri Rajendraji Agarwal, and Shri S. N. Kabra.
Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha proposed the establishment of a Skill Development Centre at SASMIRA, with the support of the Maharashtra Government. Shri Rajendra Agarwal encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, while Shri S. N. Kabra praised SASMIRA’s research in agriculture textiles. Shri Rajiv Podar pledged support for the proposed Skill Centre. Shri Mihir Mehta reaffirmed SASMIRA’s commitment to advancing India’s textile industry, highlighting the exciting events and collaborations planned for the year-long Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
In conclusion, SASMIRA’s LCAS-2025 and 75th Foundation Day celebrations showcased its dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the advancement of India’s textile industry. The events marked a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the sector, driven by research, education, and collaboration.
