Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, recently unveiled a bold vision for India’s textile industry during the 12th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong. Emphasising the pivotal role of innovation and the Northeast region, Singh highlighted the immense potential of the sector.
Northeast’s Textile Powerhouse: The minister underscored the significant contribution of the Northeast to India’s textile exports, with handloom, technical textiles, and handicrafts collectively generating over Rs 45,000 crore. “The Northeast is a vital player in our billion-dollar market,” he asserted.
Nurturing Future Fashion Leaders: The inauguration of NIFT Shillong’s permanent campus marked a historic milestone. Addressing the graduating class of 2024, Singh encouraged them to embrace challenges and drive innovation. “The future of fashion rests in your hands,” he said, urging them to leverage technology to safeguard their creative endeavours.
Technology as a Design Catalyst: Singh stressed the indispensable role of technology in modern design. “While hard work is essential for creating beautiful designs, it’s equally important to equip our students with the tools and technology to protect their intellectual property,” he explained.
A Global Textile Powerhouse: The minister outlined an ambitious goal for India’s textile industry: to reach a staggering $350 billion by 2030, creating millions of jobs. He emphasised the industry’s potential to become a major employment generator, second only to agriculture.
AI-Powered Design Innovation: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the design process was hailed as a game-changer. Aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, Singh highlighted the transformative power of design across sectors, particularly in fashion.
NIFT’s Global Ambitions: Singh commended NIFT’s pioneering initiative, VisionNxt, which aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign technology and expertise. He announced plans to establish NIFT campuses outside India, further solidifying the institute’s global footprint.
