President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged graduating students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to maintain a global outlook while staying firmly connected to India’s cultural roots and core values, saying the fashion and textile sector has significant potential to expand the country’s global footprint.
President Murmu made the remarks while addressing the combined convocation ceremony of 18 NIFT campuses in New Delhi.
Highlighting the importance of India’s textile and apparel sector, the President said it was not only an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage but also a source of livelihood for millions of people.
She stressed the need to support traditional artisans and provide them with proper guidance so that younger generations can continue these professions with pride and confidence.
President Murmu noted with appreciation that several NIFT campuses have implemented initiatives such as the Craft Cluster Initiative, aimed at familiarising weavers and artisans with modern techniques in the textile and apparel sector and connecting them with markets.
The President said India was expanding its role on the global stage with greater confidence and that fashion technology offered immense opportunities to strengthen the country’s global presence.
She called upon the graduating students to seize these opportunities while remaining connected to India’s traditions and cultural values.
“By doing so, they will not only become successful professionals but also contribute to the preservation and enrichment of India’s cultural heritage,” President Murmu said.
She also emphasised the importance of sustainability in the fashion and textile industry. She urged students to develop world-class products and brands while ensuring that they are environmentally friendly.
The President encouraged greater use of locally available raw materials, saying this could contribute significantly to environmental conservation. She also called for textile remnants to be reused rather than discarded as waste, giving them new forms, uses and value.
President Murmu welcomed the importance given to sustainability and social responsibility in NIFT’s strategic plan and expressed confidence that the institute would take effective measures to expand circular economy practices across the textile and apparel sector.
Highlighting the role of young people in India’s development, she said youth would play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The President said the nation has high expectations from talented students graduating from premier institutions such as NIFT and urged them to contribute towards creating a society where every citizen gets a fair opportunity to participate in the country’s progress.
She also stressed that the success of NIFT graduates would be measured not only by their individual professional achievements but also by their contribution to improving the productivity and incomes of traditional artisans while preserving the authentic identity of their crafts.
President Murmu called upon the graduating students to use their knowledge, creativity and skills to strengthen India’s fashion and textile ecosystem while contributing to the country’s cultural heritage, sustainability and global aspirations.
