President Murmu Addresses NIFT Convocation
Graduates urged to combine global outlook with India’s cultural heritage and sustainable fashion practices
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 31st Aug: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday graced the combined convocation ceremony of 18 National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campuses in New Delhi and urged graduating students to maintain a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to their roots and India’s cultural values.
The President said the textile and apparel sector is not only an important part of India’s cultural heritage but also supports the livelihoods of millions of people. She emphasised the need to provide traditional artisans with appropriate support and guidance so that younger generations can continue their professions with pride and confidence.
Murmu appreciated the initiatives undertaken by various NIFT centres, including the Craft Cluster Initiative, to familiarise weavers and artisans with modern techniques and connect them with markets.
She said India is expanding its presence on the global stage with greater confidence and that fashion technology has considerable potential to enhance the country’s global footprint.
The President urged students to seize this opportunity while staying connected to India’s cultural roots. She said this approach would help them become successful professionals while contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the country’s cultural heritage.
Murmu also stressed the importance of sustainability in the fashion and textile sector. She called upon students to develop world-class products and brands that are environmentally friendly and encouraged the use of locally available raw materials.
She said textile remnants should not simply be discarded as waste but should be transformed into products with new utility and value. The President welcomed NIFT’s emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility and expressed confidence that the institute would help expand circular economy practices in the sector.
Highlighting the role of young people in national development, Murmu said the youth would play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
She said the nation has high expectations from talented students of institutions such as NIFT and urged them to contribute to building a society where every citizen has a fair opportunity to participate in the country’s progress.
The President also called upon graduates to help artisans improve their productivity and income while preserving the authentic identity of their traditional crafts.
