Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh visited the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai, where he interacted with students and discussed the future of India’s textile and fashion sectors. He was accompanied by Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena and Textile Commissioner Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai.
Minister Engages with Future Designers
The key highlight of the visit was an interactive session between Shri Giriraj Singh and students of NIFT Mumbai. The Minister encouraged young designers to look beyond creative careers and contribute to employment generation, exports and foreign exchange earnings, strengthening India’s position in the global textile and fashion industry.
The discussion also focused on India’s rich textile and handloom heritage, the preservation of traditional knowledge and the need to create contemporary opportunities for artisans and weavers. Shri Giriraj Singh urged students to combine India’s traditional strengths with modern design thinking to create products capable of competing in international markets.
Sustainability and Emerging Technologies Take Centre Stage
Sustainability, material innovation and the development of new fibres were among the major themes discussed during the interaction. The Minister highlighted the growing relevance of natural fibres, composite fibres and sustainable materials in shaping the future of textiles.
He also pointed to the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and 3D printing, across textile manufacturing, fashion design, supply chains and product development.
The Minister encouraged students to embrace these technologies while continuing to build on India’s strong foundations in traditional crafts, indigenous knowledge and design.
Building Globally Competitive Skills
Emphasising the importance of connecting creativity with commercial and industry knowledge, Shri Giriraj Singh encouraged students to develop skills that can make them globally competitive.
He stressed that future professionals in textiles and fashion will need to understand not only design and aesthetics but also technology, sustainability, business, markets and exports.
Welcoming the Minister, NIFT Mumbai Director Prof. Dr. Ajit Kumar Khare highlighted the importance of direct interaction between students and government leaders. Such engagements, he noted, provide young designers with a deeper understanding of industry developments, government policies and emerging opportunities.
New Bunakar Seva Kendra Facility Inaugurated
A major highlight of the visit was also the inauguration of the new Bunakar Seva Kendra (Weavers’ Service Centre), Mumbai, located within the NIFT Mumbai campus at Kharghar.
The facility was inaugurated by Shri Giriraj Singh in the presence of Dr. M. Beena, Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, senior government officials and other stakeholders.
The new facility is expected to strengthen institutional support and services available to India’s handloom and weaving community. Its presence within the NIFT campus also creates an opportunity to connect traditional weaving expertise with contemporary design education and innovation.
Bridging Heritage, Innovation and Global Opportunity
The Minister’s interaction with NIFT Mumbai students highlighted the evolving priorities of India’s textile and fashion ecosystem. From traditional handloom knowledge and artisan livelihoods to sustainable materials, digital technologies and global exports, the sector is increasingly being shaped by the convergence of heritage and innovation.
The visit reinforced the message that India’s next generation of designers and textile professionals can play an important role in transforming the country’s rich textile legacy into globally competitive, sustainable and technology-driven opportunities.