Lieutenant Governor asks NIFT student to build global brands

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday urged the young, creative minds to address the emerging challenges of domestic apparel and textile industry and make India fashion capital of the world.

The L-G addressed the convocation ceremony at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar.

In his address, Sinha congratulated the NIFT management, faculty members, staff and graduating students, and extended his best wishes.

“Youth are the inheritors of our great civilization. I firmly believe India’s unique cultural and historical identity and dedication of our youth to weave magic into creative products will bring far-reaching changes in the fashion industry,” he said.

At the convocation, the Lt Governor shared the key initiatives taken to strengthen the entire value chain from fiber, yarn, fabric to apparel and also reviving unique cultural and artistic heritage.

“J&K is a repository of Indian creative traditions and it manifests in various handicraft and handloom products. We are committed to provide necessary opportunities and facilities to empower and unlock the potential of our talented weavers and craftsmen,” he said.

Sinha also commended the efforts of NIFT to support J&K’s artisans and enrich the local crafts through Craft Cluster Projects. He advised the students to implement the inclusive approach in spreading the benefits of expertise and exposure earned at NIFT to handicrafts and handloom industry and to do justice with creativity of craftspeople for their empowerment.

He also paid tribute to well-known fashion designer Rohit Bal who was born in Srinagar and went on to revolutionise the Indian fashion industry. Bal passed away earlier this month.

Earlier, the Lt Governor also attended the Foundation Day of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), at Awantipora.