Kangra NIFT focusing on revival of native crafts

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, February 22

Nestled in the serene Kangra Valley, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) began its journey in 2009. This premier institute aims at nurturing creative minds in the ever-evolving world of fashion and design, landscape textile, apparel, lifestyle accessories and fashion communication industries.

Talking to The Tribune, NIFT Director Rahul Chandra said, “There are precisely three areas of priority: academic development of students, besides infrastructural and area development. The institute aims at being useful to the region it is operating in by supporting the native art and craft which is on the verge of extinction.”

According to the NIFT Director, the biggest constraints are scarce human resource, the much-needed funds and time. When asked as to how the institute is preserving or promoting the native art and culture of the state, the director said, “We are concerned for the native art and craft, which is on the path of extinction. Our students undertake craft visits to learn and replicate the dying art of the state which is so diverse. A group of students is currently visiting Chamba and another has come back from Mandi with inputs on the traditional jewellery work, which has evolved over the generations.”

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kangra, is currently running seven professional programmes, including five bachelors courses in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories Design, Textile Design, Fashion Technology, Masters in Fashion Management and Masters in Design.

The NIFTs run by the Union Ministry of Textiles are pioneer in the fashion education, supplying skilled professionals to the textile and apparel industry. With 18 campuses nationwide, NIFT is serving as a key knowledge resource for governments on design development and handloom positioning.