New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged graduating students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to embrace a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to India’s cultural roots and core values.
Addressing the combined convocation ceremony of 18 NIFT campuses in New Delhi, Murmu said India’s growing presence on the global stage presents significant opportunities for the fashion and textile sector.
The President said the textile and apparel sector is not merely part of India’s cultural heritage but also a major source of livelihood for millions of people.
She highlighted the importance of supporting traditional weavers and artisans, saying proper guidance and modern opportunities would encourage younger generations to continue these professions with confidence and pride.
Murmu appreciated NIFT’s ‘Craft Cluster Initiative’, which seeks to familiarise artisans and weavers with modern techniques while helping connect their products with wider markets.
She said fashion technology has immense potential to strengthen India’s global footprint and urged students to make the most of the opportunity.
“Students should maintain a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to their roots and the core values of our culture,” she said.
According to the President, this approach would enable graduates not only to build successful careers but also to contribute to preserving and enriching India’s cultural heritage.
Murmu also called upon students to create world-class products and brands while ensuring environmental sustainability.
She encouraged greater use of locally available raw materials and urged the fashion industry to rethink waste.
Instead of discarding leftover materials, she said, they should be transformed into products with new utility and value.
The President welcomed the importance given to sustainability and social responsibility in NIFT’s strategic planning and expressed confidence that the institute would take effective measures to expand circular economy practices across the textile and apparel sector.
She emphasised that India’s future fashion ecosystem should combine innovation, global competitiveness, cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.
