Gandhinagar : The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar marked International Women’s Day with a special programme at its campus, bringing together students, faculty and staff to celebrate the achievements of women and discuss issues of empowerment, leadership and professional growth.
The event was held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sood, Director of NIFT Gandhinagar, who welcomed the NIFT community and highlighted the growing representation of women across academia and industry. Addressing the gathering, he underlined the importance of women’s participation in nation-building, noting that India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 will depend significantly on the leadership and contributions of women.
Referring to the broader development agenda articulated by Narendra Modi, Prof. Sood said women represent a vital pillar of national progress. He also linked the discussion to sustainability, often defined through the three pillars—Environment, Equity and Economics—emphasising that equity and equal opportunity remain critical for long-term growth.
Highlighting the textile sector’s role in women’s economic participation, he noted that India’s textile industry employs nearly ten crore people through direct and indirect engagement, with around 4.5 crore directly employed and nearly 60 percent of them women. Women also form the majority in traditional sectors such as handloom and handicrafts, contributing significantly to preserving heritage crafts while supporting rural livelihoods.
Prof. Sood also pointed out that NIFT itself reflects strong female leadership, with women occupying several key positions within the institution and the broader textile and fashion education ecosystem.
The event featured two guest speakers who shared insights from their professional journeys. Dr. Lavina Sinha, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime Branch, Ahmedabad, addressed students on cyber safety and responsible digital behaviour. Drawing on her experience in law enforcement, she highlighted the rising risks of cybercrime and urged young people to remain vigilant while sharing personal information online. She also spoke about the importance of challenging gender stereotypes and building physical and mental resilience for demanding careers.
Entrepreneur and NIFT alumnus Hetal Shrivastav, Founder of Rasleela Textile, shared her journey of building a design-led business rooted in traditional crafts. Speaking about her work with women artisans, she emphasised resilience, compassion and authenticity as essential leadership qualities.
The speakers also reflected on the legacy of influential women leaders such as Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Lakshmibai, Indira Gandhi and Droupadi Murmu, whose contributions continue to inspire future generations.
The programme provided students with an opportunity to engage with professionals and reflect on the role of women in shaping industries and communities. The institute said it remains committed to promoting dialogue, inclusivity and leadership within the creative and cultural sectors.