NIFT, Kolkata focuses on training students from NE, builds on vibrant textile tradition of region

Having carved a niche for creating career prospects in fashion technology and fashion management, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kolkata, is reaching out to students in NE India to spread awareness about career potential in the sector and build on the rich and vibrant tradition of hand woven textile designs and garments that have made their mark in national and international markets.

With all 19 campuses of the NIFT put together, NIFT students are now serving with a wide range of national  and international companies including the Raymonds, Arvind mills, Aditya Birla fashion & Retail Limited, Fab India, Reliance, Addidas, UCB, Pantaloons to name a few.

Speaking to reporters, Associate Professor and Cluster Initiative Coordinator at NIFT Kolkata Prof. Sanjib Kumar Das said the traditional textiles and garments of North eastern States have very rich and vibrant appeal and holds potential to create huge demand in domestic and international apparels market.

“Traditional textiles and garments from the NE region have a huge potential. But we need trained professionals and entrepreneurs in these states who can engage, train and develop apparel business at par with international level,” he said.

About his visit to Tripura, NIFT Assistant Professor Dr. Pompy Paul said a steady growth of fashion & apparel market and brand awareness has got traction among common people, especially in the post-COVID age, which indicates more initiatives and employments on fashion apparel sector in Tripura.

“The process of Admission to various UG & PG programmes for 2025 session has already begun and application will close on 6th January 2025. All details regarding admission procedure, fees, scholarships and examination pattern is now available on the NIFT website,” the visiting NIFT faculty member said.

They also said that they have met different government officials who can be potential stakeholders in extending NIFT expertise and training to students in the region.

The Ministry of Textiles has taken special focus in creating awareness about fashion design, technology and management as an alternate career option for young students in the North-Eastern states. As a part of this process, NIFT officials have consulted with Tripura’s Directorate of Secondary Education, SCERT and the Directorate of Tribal Welfare Department to organize awareness workshops and outreach programmes in December this year to share benefits of NIFT programmes and subsequent career prospects.