The Convocation of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) – New Delhi Campus was held on 3rd June 2015 at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. In an impressive ceremony, the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge), Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, awarded Degrees to 310 graduating students of the class of 2015. Four PhDs, 87 postgraduate degrees & 219 undergraduate degrees were conferred. Distinguished members of Board of Governors, NIFT, leaders from the Indian fashion industry and faculty members of NIFT were also present.
In his Convocation Address, the Textiles Minister said that NIFT is an institution under the Ministry of Textiles, which serves to enhance India’s image at the global stage. He said that it is highly commendable that NIFT is ranked among top 50 Universities in the world in fashion technology. Appreciating the institute for its work, Shri Gangwar said that NIFT has been able to carve out a distinct identity for itself. He said that the Government of India will extend all necessary cooperation in taking the standards of education and placements to greater heights. The Minister said that apart from opening new centers, it is important to maintain and continually enhance the quality of the centers as well.
In the Welcome Address, while highlighting NIFT’s contributions to the development of fashion education and industry in India, Prof. Dr. Vandana Bhandari, Dean-NIFT, stated that the institute is committed to providing a stimulating environment that allows the students to learn and develop. She congratulated the students on their graduation.
Prof. Dr. Vandana Narang, Director, NIFT Delhi apprised the gathering that over the last few years, NIFT has undertaken strategic steps to forge international linkages with international schools of repute. Currently, NIFT has more than 30 MoUs with foreign fashion schools for student and faculty exchange, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions. Prof. Narang, while presenting the Annual Academic Report, recounted the journey of NIFT Delhi through expansion, extension and benchmarking in fashion education, with a special focus over the last one year.
The NIFT academic curriculum incorporates internships, industry visits, outbound programs as well as real life projects, seminars and interactions that provide opportunities for students to appreciate and understand the working of the industry. For example, Tommy Hilfiger addressed the students on his recent visit to India.
The Institute also undertakes research and consultancy projects for the industry with its expertise in Design, Management, and Technology at strategic and operational levels. Students get the opportunity to work in stimulating environments with industry projects focusing on integrative abilities that use skills ranging from technical expertise to creative exposure. Recently, NIFT students have designed a collection with IKEA that has been launched globally in May in Sweden.
NIFT faculty constantly strive for self-improvement and mental growth through academic and industry projects, completing various R&D projects this year. In one such project, resource books for CBSE for classes XI and XII in 3 streams have been published by NIFT. Faculty also gives priority to research paper publication and enhancing skills and qualification. This year, as part of research initiatives, 4 Ph.D. degrees have been awarded in the fields of Design, Management, and Technology.
As an attempt to inculcate social awareness, the Craft Cluster Project has been incorporated into the Academic Calendar. Understanding the social responsibility towards this sector, the NIFT students continue to contribute to the clusters through design intervention and product diversification.
Prof. Narang thereafter in her Address called upon the students to uphold the tradition of excellence inculcated in NIFT while they carve out brilliant careers for themselves in their chosen fields. In her address, she also added that growth in research and development in NIFT is vital in order to compete and collaborate with International institutions. She urged the industry members to evolve from internship and placement kind of engagements with NIFT to setting up of research labs and sponsored chairs in collaboration with the Institute.
Shri Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India, administered the pledge to the students.
NIFT: A Brief
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a premier institute of Design, Management, and Technology in India. The Institute was established under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and is governed by the NIFT Act 2006. Today, NIFT has fifteen campuses across India. Since its conception, NIFT has produced designers and fashion entrepreneurs who have placed the Indian fashion industry on the global map. NIFT nurtures the inherent talent of the students through its holistic academic training programs and transforms them into creative leaders in the fields of design, management and fashion technology.
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