The “Khadi and Handloom for Sustainable Fashion” seminar, organised by NISTI (Regd) in partnership with the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA), and Textile Sector Skill Council was successfully held yesterday at LH 310, LHC, IIT Delhi. The seminar aimed to discuss the significance of Khadi and Handlooms in promoting sustainable fashion and to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.
The inaugural session was graced by Ms. Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner as the Chief Guest and Mr. SK Jha, Sr. Director, National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy as the Guest of Honour. The session was attended by prominent leaders and experts in the field of Textiles and Sustainability including Dr Arindam Basu, Prof. R Alagirusamy, Head, Department of Textiles and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, Mr. Murugan T, Joint President, Global Business Development, Birla Cellulose, Dr RA Lal, Chairman NISTI and Dr. Vijay Yadav, Hon Secy, NISTI (Regd), Mr. Balkrishan Sharma extended the vote of thanks for the inaugural session. Dr. RA Lal, Chairman, NISTI, welcomed the Chief Guest, Guests on the Dias, Speakers, Panelists, delegates and all those who contributed to make the event a great success.
The chief guest Ms. Roop Rashi appreciated the initiative of NISTI and expressed the need for more such Seminars/Webinars on the sustainability in textile manufacturing. She expressed immense appreciation for the innovative and creative development in khadi and handloom sectors for better marketability with branding. Ms. Roop Rashi stressed the importance of textiles in the Indian economy and the need for innovation to align the industry with sustainable principles. She highlighted the role of textiles in providing livelihoods to millions of people and the need for a synergistic approach across the value chain, from farmers to foreign markets. She also emphasised the importance of circularity in the textile industry, through recycling and upcycling, and the need for a collaborative effort from market leaders and the government to promote sustainable products.
Mr. SK Jha emphasised the importance of textiles, especially handlooms, in preserving the heritage of humanity. He stated that sustainable fashion is not just a challenge but a great opportunity to innovate and bring hope to people. He emphasised the need to promote handlooms as a niche product, using traditional skills and materials in conjunction with modern design. The seminar concluded with a commitment to promoting sustainable fashion through the use of handlooms and khadi, with a focus on innovation, circularity, and collaboration across the value chain.
The technical session was enlightening with engaging talks by Dr. Nitesh Dhawan, State Director, KVIC, Prof. R Chattopadhyay, Professor, Emeritus Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, Mr. BB Paul, Former Director, Government of India and Ms. Priyanka Priyadarshini, Assistant VP, Birla Cellulose.
Concluding session of Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Vinod Shanbhag featured a diverse panel of experts including Dr. Surendra Kumar, Mr. Vishesh Nautiyal, Director, Weavers service center, Mr. Varun Kumar, founder Pashmina.com, Mr. Sumit Banik of Kaneka India Pvt Ltd, Dr. S Adinarayan, Dr. Sudha Dhingra of NIFT and Shri K.K. Agarwal, Founder Chairman Alps Industries.
M/s Birla Cellulose were the title sponsors. The seminar was co-sponsored by Kaneka India Pvt. Ltd and Pashmina.com and supported by Adileela Foundation as organising partner.. The event received tremendous support from the industry and the media and was a great platform for exchange of ideas and insights.
The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Vijay Yadav, Hon Secy NISTI, who expressed his gratitude towards the speakers, attendees, sponsors and media partners for their support and contribution to the success of the seminar.
NISTI (Regd) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all those who participated and contributed to the success of this seminar and looks forward to continuing its efforts towards promoting sustainable fashion in textile manufacturing.
