New Delhi, 31 August (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said that the textiles and apparel sector is not merely an integral part of India’s cultural heritage but also a source of livelihood for millions of people across the country. She urged young fashion professionals to ensure that the essence and distinctive identity of India remain visible even when designing and producing apparel for international customers.

Addressing the Joint Convocation of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 in Delhi, President Murmu encouraged students to think globally while remaining firmly connected to India’s unique cultural identity and values.

“Your outlook should be global, but your roots should remain connected to the uniqueness of your soil and its values. Even when you create apparel for foreign customers, the essence and fragrance of India should not be lost,” she said.

The President said the younger generation has a crucial role to play in creating a society where every citizen receives adequate opportunities to contribute to the nation’s progress. She also called upon students to support artisans in increasing their productivity and income while preserving the original identity and character of their traditional crafts.

“This is where your success lies,” she said.

Highlighting the growing role of women in the textiles and fashion sector, Murmu noted that women's participation in the field stood at only around 20 per cent two decades ago. Today, women account for approximately 85 per cent of the nearly 4,000 students attending the convocation. She described this transformation as an important achievement in India’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.

The President also emphasised environmental conservation and the importance of a circular economy, citing Bengal’s Kantha embroidery and Bihar’s Sujani craft as notable examples of sustainable traditional practices.

She described these traditional crafts as excellent examples of recycling and said that Indian tradition emphasises transforming leftover materials rather than treating them as waste and discarding them. Materials can instead be given a new form, purpose and value, she said.

Murmu urged students to make greater use of locally available raw materials and develop environmentally sustainable products and globally competitive brands rooted in Indian craftsmanship.

Highlighting the decisive role of young people in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, the President called upon students not merely to become job seekers but also to become job creators. She encouraged them to contribute to initiatives such as the Craft Cluster Initiative, which seeks to improve the productivity and incomes of traditional weavers and artisans while preserving the original identity of their crafts.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, addressing the students and young people, said their role extends far beyond fashion design and fashion shows. He described them as the true custodians of India’s transformation towards 2047.

Singh urged the youth to cultivate a lifelong passion for learning, respect their parents and contribute actively to nation-building.

Quoting the thoughts of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the minister said that a person does not cease to be a student after earning a degree; learning continues throughout life.

“Dream, set goals, acquire knowledge, work hard and never give up. Your thoughts and hard work can transform the future of the country,” Singh said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to the youth, Singh said, “Keep your goals ambitious, make hard work a habit and confidence your strength. Instead of comparing yourself with others, strive to become better every day.”

He advised students not to allow examinations, whether academic or related to life, to overwhelm them, but instead to learn from failures and use technology constructively to contribute to the country’s development.

Singh also urged young people never to forget the sacrifices made by their parents in helping them reach their present position and stressed that they should always respect them.

He emphasised that the responsibility for building a developed India by 2047 rests with today’s youth and called upon them to resolve to contribute to creating a brighter future for the nation.

The participants expressed confidence that young graduates would use their creativity, pursuit of excellence and spirit of service to successfully address the challenges confronting the industry and play a leading role in nation-building.

During the convocation, President Murmu conferred gold medals on meritorious students from various NIFT campuses in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

The awardees included Ashish Kamtaprasad Mishra, Master of Design, Gandhinagar campus; Devansh Mishra, Master of Fashion Management, Bhopal campus; Shweta Mishra, Master of Fashion Technology, Delhi campus; Riya G., Bachelor of Fashion Technology, Chennai campus; Rajankal Prarambh Praveen, Accessory Design, Bhubaneswar campus; Tanishi Garg, Fashion Communication, Panchkula campus; Prachi Kulhari S., Fashion Design, Chennai campus; Varshita P., Knitwear Design, Chennai campus; Ilma Amir, Leather Design, Delhi campus; and Raunak Rai, Textile Design, Kolkata campus.

Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shammi Rao, NIFT Director General (IAS) Tanu Kashyap, distinguished guests, members of the Board of Governors, senior officials, faculty members, scholars and graduating students from NIFT’s 18 campuses across the country attended the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar