Last Updated on August 31, 2026 8:31 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
VINIT WAHI
President Droupadi Murmu today called upon students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to adopt a global outlook while remaining rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage and values.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of the NIFT, President said that the textile and apparel sector is not only an important part of India’s cultural heritage but also provides livelihood to millions of people. Emphasising the growing role of women in the fashion industry, the President said around 85% of the nearly 4000 students present at the event are women. She said India has immense potential to expand its global presence in fashion and textile technology. The President urged students to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to connect the country’s traditional textile heritage with contemporary markets and new technologies.
Calling upon the youth to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the President said students should not remain merely job seekers but should strive to become job providers and create employment opportunities for others.
President Murmu said that over the past four decades, NIFT students and professionals have made significant achievements at the national and international levels, bringing recognition to India. She appreciated the contribution of NIFT professionals in promoting Indian textiles, silk and design traditions on the global stage.
President Murmu congratulated the graduating students, their parents and award winners for outstanding academic performance.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said, in 2008, then President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam delivered the NIFT convocation address, and after 18 years, again President Droupadi Murmu blessed the students. He said around four thousand students today received their degrees.
Textiles Secretary and Chairperson of the Board of Governors, NIFT, Neelam Shami Rao said the students are graduating at an exciting time for textiles, fashion and design. She said the industry they will enter is changing at a remarkable pace, and the boundaries between craft, fashion, design, engineering, creativity, technology and textiles are becoming increasingly fluid. The Secretary said the fashion of tomorrow can draw strengths from the craft traditions of India.