Mr. Mohan Kavrie in his hard hitting interview strongly complaining that without the availability of knowledge and experienced academic staff, it is difficult to get trained person for technical textiles. This is serious matter. As we need to do necessary some Out of the Box Thinking to solve the riddle.
Technical Textiles is a highly specialized line of production with tremendous potential. India should not miss the bus, which normally happens. The success of Technical Textiles depends upon original research, availability of trained technicians and workmen, domestic availability of required inputs like man-made fibres including filament yarns at international prices and statutory support wherever possible.
India is largely depending on borrowed technology. In such a situation India cannot occupy the place of pride in the field of Technical Textiles. We would like to have your views on:
TVC : How do we create a strong scientific facility for technical textiles? Since the sizes of units are comparatively small do you recommend Government setting up Research facility or not? Will this require a fund Rs 400-500 Crore in the 12th plan, if your answer is in the affirmative? Or If your answer is negative, What is your suggestion for creation of a strong Research facility/ facilities.
MK : This is like a chicken and egg situation, very difficult to answer. Even if government funds are available where are the people ie. Human resource to handle it ? Do we have required type of people it in industry? My answer is No.
Industry does not want to share their knowledge and research after spending handsome rupees on R &D. No academics, professors, persons with doctorates in specialized subjects only have text book knowledge.
Consultants have limited knowledge and no practical hands on experience. They claim to have knowledge, but they have conventional textile experience.
Center of excellence have limited resources and knowledge. In most areas they do not have any knowledge.
Conventional textile experts have knowledge due to long history, Industry of teaching courses aching, research experience, knowledge imparted though various media, channels, etc.
The current scenario is that the educate goes to the industry to get deeper knowledge, while a person engaged in the industry goes to educational institute in search of knowledge.
TVC : Do you recommend a separate degree course for Technical Textiles, with specialization in different branches like Meditex nonwovens, Sports Textiles etc or a combination thereof, where preliminary knowledge of the particular field would be imparted?
MK : At international Level, very few countries have degree courses in technical textiles. They have Post Graduate degree courses. Internationally technical textile associations are very strong. They impart knowledge. If we set up degree for technical textile, where is a trainer? First trainer should be train before training / teaching.
TVC : What about statutory support? For example, should it not be compulsory to use fire- retardant fabrics in cinema theatres?
MK : Yes, it helps
TVC : What kind of assistance from Government do you expect for Technical textile?
MK : Government already done their work, they developed centers of excellence and research facility etc. Now ball is in the court of industry and educationists.
TVC : Now a days, many industries prefer textiles rather than any metal or other element. What is the reason behind it?
MK : Few industry it is mandatory to use Textile, others are for their biological property they use textiles then other elements. In India, civil construction not updated due to corruption.
