President Droupadi Murmu attended the joint convocation ceremony of 18 campuses of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi on August 31, 2026. The event brought together graduating students from India’s premier fashion and textile training institutes. The President’s address focused on how the fashion sector can serve both as a keeper of Indian cultural traditions and as an engine for the country’s global growth.
What the President said
The President emphasized that India’s textile and apparel industry carries deep cultural roots and provides employment to millions of people across the country. She pointed out that when traditional artisans and weavers receive proper training and market access, younger generations will continue these crafts with confidence rather than abandoning them.
She highlighted NIFT’s work through programmes such as the Craft Cluster Initiative, which helps weavers and artisans learn modern production methods while remaining connected to their regional markets.
The President called on graduating students to balance two things: gaining international perspectives and skills while staying grounded in Indian cultural values. She urged them to create products and brands that compete globally but also meet environmental standards. She stressed that leftover materials from production should not become waste but should be recycled or repurposed, reflecting circular economy principles.
The President noted that NIFT has made sustainability and social responsibility central to its institutional strategy. She said young professionals from NIFT will play an important part in building a developed India by 2047 and have a responsibility to help artisans improve their earnings while preserving the authentic character of their work.
What this means for you
If you are a NIFT graduate or student, the President’s message signals that the institute values both cutting-edge global skills and India’s craft heritage. Her emphasis on sustainability and circular economy practices suggests these will remain important parts of NIFT’s curriculum and industry expectations. For artisans and weavers, the focus on market connections and modern training through programmes like the Craft Cluster Initiative offers pathways to better income and business opportunities.