The April 9, 1939, by ten visionary technocrats, who used to meet casually as a ‘Friday Club’. They formalized TAI along with 126 likeminded technocrats and managers. The objective of the association was to facilitate free exchange of information on technical cooperation. The founders’ vision was to create a common platform where technocrats and leaders from small and big industries come together to bring laurel to the industry and country at large.
TAI today is the leading and one of the largest national bodies, of textile professionals, striving for the growth of India’s largest industry. The association has more than 25,000 strong members through its 26 affiliated Units (chapters), spread throughout the length and breadth of the country.
“Our heartiest congratulations to the founders, trustees, predecessor presidents, committee members all our esteemed members and sincere thanks for the whole hearted support to the entire textile industry extended over all these years,” says Ashok Juneja, National President, TAI. “It is my proud privilege to lead such a prestigious association which has had eminent presidents during its glorious journey from Late Dr. Nazir Ahmed to Late Homi Modi; Late Dr. Vikram Sarabhai; Late N. V. Ullal, Late Maj. R. P. Poddar, Sh. J.J. Randheri, Sh M. K. Mehra, Sh R. K. Dalmia, Sh R.C. Kesar, Sh Mathivanan, Dr. P.R. Roy and many other eminent personalities.”
Textile Association (India) or TAI as it is popularly known, celebrates its 81st ‘Incorporation Day’ today, April 9, 2020. It was established on TAI, in all these years has conferred prestigious awards and honorary membershipsto highly
respected personalities like Sh Nazir Ahmed, Sh Kasturbhai Lalbhai, Sh K.M.D. Thackercy, Sh Gulzarilal Nanda, Sh Homi Modi, Sh G. D. Birla, Sh G. D. Ambekar, Sh Vikram Sarabhai, Sh Arvind N. Mafatlal, Sh Naval H. Tata, Sh Padampat Singhania, Sh Neville Wadia, Hon. Maj. R. P. Poddar, ShG Hari Singhania,ShAbhaykumar S. Kasliwal, Sh Dhirubhai H. Ambani , Sh K. K. Birla, Sh Mukesh D. Ambani and many more distinguished people who have contributed towards the growth of textile industry in India.
“With emphasis and commitment to professional ethics and social responsibilities, our renewed vision is to be internationally renowned as a leading association of textile technocrats and professionals promoting scientific and technological knowledge and training with benchmarking performance,” Juneja says.
“With our new office bearers elected for 2020-21, we wish to make TAI more connected with the industry through various ground activities organised by different units across the country. One such initiative started by us is interaction through JTA. We welcome more and more industry engagement through JTA. Readers can send us their contributions as expert articles, researches, reports and developments in their work space. This will add to everyone’s knowledge,” Juneja informs.
The Textile Association (India) provides opportunities for professional growth of technologists in the Indian textile industry across all sectors. The association organizes seminars, conferences, workshops, refresher courses and exhibitions of textiles and allied machines for the benefit of members. These activities are held across the country with the help of all 26 federal units, which are autonomous in their activities.
TAI’s annual conference is a prestigious annual event, being organised for the last 76 years. TAI has organized 75 Annual All India Textile Conferences (AITCs) some at an international level. These conferences have focused on contemporary and innovative topics with high profile speakers. Eminent industrialists, policy makers, reputed professionals and renowned experts from different parts of the world have presented research papers. Most conferences have been inaugurated by eminent and dynamic personalities of India like the President, Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, governors and sate chief ministers, secretary to the Ministry of Textiles, vice chancellors etc.
TAI also publishes small tablets and textbooks of practical value for the benefit of practicing professionals and students. It publishes study materials which help members acquire textile qualifications by appearing for standard examinations. It offers added qualification of ATA and GMTA for technicians who can earn and study to acquire a Diploma (ATA) and a degree (GMTA). ATA is recognized as equal to a diploma and GMTA is equivalent to a university degree. TAI members who acquired GMTA have also completed their post graduate and doctorate programs from reputed universities in India.
Internationally, TAI is the founder member of the Federation of Asian Professional Textile Associations (FAPTA). TAI’s national president is one of the members in International Advisory Committee of FAPTA. The association organized the 1st International Asian Textile Conference (ATC) in 1991 and the 7th International Asian Textile conference (ATC) in 2003 in New Delhi.
TAI is also the co-sponsor of India ITME Society and the national president is one of the vice chairmen on their steering committee.
TAI also publishes a prestigious bi-monthly peer-reviewed ‘Journal of the Textile Association’ for the last 81 years. JTA is also available in a digital version online since 2011 on TAI’s website www.textileassociationindia.org.
