Khadi & Upcycling 2026 - Seminar and Workshop

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Marie Adelaide de Cice College Hall, College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, Churchgate, Mumbai

Organised by: Alumni Association of College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan & Anveshanam Foundation

Event Curated by: Dr Ela Manoj Dedhia

Participants: 75+

Overview

The “Khadi & Upcycling 2026 – Seminar and Workshop” was organised on 26th September 2026 at the Marie Adelaide de Cice College Hall, College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, Churchgate. The programme brought together participants interested in Khadi, upcycling, micro-enterprises, handmade products, natural personal care and traditional hand-spinning techniques.

The event was attended by more than 75 participants, including staff, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, media partners and individuals interested in developing skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The other dignitaries were Ms Noella Dias, Prescilla Pinto, Minal Savla, Sharvari Kalantre, and Shreedevi Poduval. The photography and videography was covered by Niyati Mota.

The organizing partners of the event were NIF Global, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Gnanajyoti Community College, Karajgaon and Raj Institute of Fashion Designing. The media partners were Textile Jagat, Journal of the Textile Association and Textile Value Chain.

Seminar: Khadi and MSME – Micro Enterprises

The seminar session was conducted by Dr Ela Dedhia, Director, Anveshanam Foundation and Managing Trustee, AACHSNN.

The session covered several practical aspects of converting skills and ideas into viable micro-enterprises. The key topics included:

• Emerging trends in Khadi,

• Understanding micro-enterprises,

• Identifying a viable business idea,

• MSME registration – its importance and the registration process,

• Government schemes and support available for entrepreneurs,

• Basic business planning and marketing,

• Product costing and pricing,

• The journey from skill → product → market → income

The session particularly highlighted how traditional skills, sustainable practices and innovative product ideas can be developed into small-scale entrepreneurial opportunities.

Demo & Hands-on Workshop on Handmade Fabric Jewelry making was conducted by Rabia Banu and her team of 4 women and Aburkani Mohommad, associated with the Self Help Group of Anveshanam Foundation, and Dhara Padia, Founder, Mitti N Metal. The kit was provided to the participants.

Participants were introduced to creative ways of using pre-consumer waste fabric and other materials to develop attractive jewellery products. The session demonstrated how waste and leftover materials can be transformed into value-added lifestyle products with potential for sale and income generation.

The activity also connected the concept of upcycling with entrepreneurship, showing participants how simple skills can be developed into marketable products and sold nationally and internationally.

Hand Spinning – Demonstration & Hands-on Session was conducted by Usha Trikmaniji and Rajashri Chocheji. Participants were introduced to the traditional process of hand spinning on Takli and hand charkha. All participants had an opportunity to understand and experience the hand technique.

The session helped create awareness about the significance of hand spinning in the Khadi tradition and its continuing relevance in the context of sustainable and handmade textiles.

Display and Sale of Sustainable Upcycled Products made by women Self Help Group of Anveshanam Foundation, the differently abled benefiaries and care takers of SVRR and Vaitarna at the event. Thus, the display and promotion of handmade, sustainable products added a practical marketplace dimension to the seminar.

This component also complemented the central theme of the programme by connecting skills and creativity with product development, presentation and potential market opportunities.

Key Highlights

The programme successfully brought together knowledge sharing, demonstrations, hands-on learning and entrepreneurship awareness under one platform.

Some of the major highlights were:

• Participation of 75+ attendees

• Awareness about current Khadi trends,

• Practical introduction to micro-enterprise development and MSME registration,

• Information on government support and schemes for entrepreneurs,

• Hands-on exposure to fabric jewellery making,

• Demonstration and hands-on experience of traditional hand spinning.

• Stalls for product display,

• Focus on upcycling, sustainability and livelihood generation,

• Interaction between participants, trainers and emerging entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Khadi & Upcycling 2026 – Seminar and Workshop provided a meaningful platform for participants to explore the connection between traditional textile practices, sustainability, creativity and entrepreneurship. The programme emphasised that skills can be transformed into viable products and enterprises when combined with appropriate planning, costing, marketing and market access.

The event also reinforced the importance of upcycling and sustainable product development as avenues for creativity, responsible consumption and livelihood generation. The participation of more than 75 individuals reflected the interest in practical hands-on learning and new opportunities in the fields of Khadi, handmade products and micro-enterprises.