Ronita Torcato
Union Minister for Textiles, Piyush Goyal has asked the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to consider a freeze on fees “for some time”, expand scholarships to needy students, modernize the curriculum and introduce technology. He was speaking at the Convocation ceremony at NIFT’s Kharghar campus where 286 students from the class of 2022 received Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees.
Rachna Shah, secretary (Textiles), Ministry of Textiles & chairperson, BOG-NIFT and Rohit Kansal, director general, NIFT were the guests of honour.
Addressing the students, Minister Goyal suggested that NIFT could introduce courses for honing public skills such as speech, language, presentation, and grooming. “We need to add value to our students so that they can speak confidently in public so that a holistic development will prepare them for the difficult world outside,” he said.
He also requested NIFT Mumbai to “introduce the latest technology in all campuses, a new curriculum and increase industry internships to a period of six months.”
On further simplifying the admission process he suggested for having a faster and more compressed admission process. “Let the form for applying for scholarships be completely online and simple.”
Expressing the hope that students could help revive traditional arts, the minister suggested sending students “to handloom and handicraft clusters, to work on designs and help weavers and artisans. The students can help revive traditional and heritage-related arts… generate good resources for museums, archaeological societies and restorations of UNESCO heritage sites.”
Speaking on the occasion, Rachna Shah reminded the students that “there is a very deep and very long textiles tradition in India, I hope that you as ambassadors of this tradition will make it stronger”, she said, adding that it would be worthwhile to be mindful that the “fashion landscape is constantly evolving… Sustainability and digitization are two critical elements of fashion and fashion technology. Some of you will become entrepreneurs and contribute to nation building, you should play an important and critical role in preserving the rich heritage and traditions of our country. Stay connected to your roots, to your alma mater and to Indian tradition”, she added.
NIFT Mumbai runs two Postgraduate and six Undergraduate Programs. The PG Courses are Master of Design, and Master of Fashion Management. The UG courses are Bachelor of Design in Accessory Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, and Bachelor of Fashion Technology in Apparel Production. NIFT graduates understand the nuances of fashion business spanning art, craft, technology, and strategy and acquire the skill sets that help them adapt to the growing needs of the industry.
