‘Fashion industry has the power to make substantial positive impacts’

Nagaland Governor addresses NIFT Convocation Ceremony

Chennai, November 18 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan graced the 11th convocation of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at Tharamani, Chennai on November 18.

Speaking to young minds, the Governor said ‘they are poised to redefine the world, to set new trends, and to breathe life into fabrics with creativity and innovation,’ a press release issued by PRO Raj Bhavan stated. “Being the Governor of Nagaland, a State known for its rich traditional textiles and craftsmanship,” he said, it fills him with great pride to be amongst them.

Encouraging the new graduates, the Governor said “It is a stage for them to weave stories, create magic, create art that speaks.”

 He added, “Fashion industry has the power to make substantial positive impacts, and we should aim at sustainable practices. The art we create should reflect not only our creativity but also our care and respect for our environment.” He further called them to be also the ambassadors of a culture, the creators of trends, and the front-runners in innovation. 

The Governor said the journey of NIFT is to supply the global textile and apparel industry with professional human resources, which have been nothing short of remarkable since its establishment in 1986. He expressed his happiness that it now boasts of 18 full-fledged campuses across the country of which NIFT Chennai is also one. Lauding its contributions to the society, the Governor said, NIFT has been working as a knowledge service provider to the Central as well as to the state governments in the area of design development and positioning of handloom and handicraft. 

To the graduands, the Governor said, “NIFT Chennai traces its humble origin to 1995, but today it raises the bar for our nation's fashion education, with an envious position among the top five fashion institutes - a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

He mentioned that NIFT Chennai continues to inspire with its commitment to environmental sustainability. “The lush green campus, waste-free zone, water recycling, and energy conservation stand as outshining examples of their ecological diligence,” he remarked. “Promotion of our traditional Khadi and handloom is not just an act of empowerment but an applauding tribute to our motherland's heritage which had enlightened all of us during the Khadi Mahotsav,’ he added. 

The Governor also lauded NIFT Chennai for being pioneers in financially self-sustaining campus, effectively contributing to the fashion industry, government machinery, and craft sector through numerous domestic and international projects and consultancies.

The Governor also handed over the Gold Medal and citation to 37 award winners and meritorious students and also the awarded 282 graduates from Class of 2023 with degrees.

The Presidential address was delivered by Director General NIFT while welcome address and Academic Report 2022-23 was given by Director NIFT, Chennai Prof Dr Anitha Manhohar. The convocation pledge was administered by Dean Academic Prof Dr Sudha.