Gandhinagar: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, successfully hosted Spectrum 2026, its flagship annual cultural and creative festival, from March 18 to 20, bringing together a vibrant confluence of culture, innovation, and artistic expression. The three-day festival, themed “Karwaan,” celebrated journeys, collaboration, and collective creativity, reflecting the evolving spirit of youth and design thinking. This year’s edition drew enthusiastic participation from leading institutions across Gujarat, including NID Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad University, IITRAM, Anant National University, Nirma University, DA-IICT, PDEU, and several others.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, highlighted that Spectrum 2026 was inspired by the concept of “Desi Maximalism,” a design philosophy rooted in South Asian aesthetics. He noted that the theme embraces bold colours, intricate craftsmanship, layered textures, and cultural richness—blending traditional heritage with contemporary design sensibilities.
The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Jayanti Ravi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Gujarat, who lauded Spectrum as a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange, creative exploration, and innovation. She remarked that visits to the NIFT campus have always been inspiring and rejuvenating.
Dr. Ravi also appreciated the thoughtfully curated exhibition “Nostalgia,” particularly a photograph portraying a middle-aged couple sharing an ice cream on a train—calling it a powerful depiction of enduring human connection and emotional depth. She further expressed interest in fostering collaborative initiatives between NIFT and Auroville through workshops and creative engagements.
The festival commenced with an energetic Dhol performance, setting the tone for an immersive experience. A diverse lineup of events was organized across multiple student clubs:
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Photography Club: Escape Room, Photography Exhibition, Short Film/Reel Competition, Ad Making
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Literary Club: Debate, Ad Mad, Poetry Roulette, Fiction Food Wars
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Environment Club: Sustainability Fashion Show, Checkmate Arena, Voice Swap
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Sports Club: Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Chess, Futsal, E-sports, Table Tennis
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Cultural Club: Dance Competitions, Solo Singing, Battle of Bands, Flash Mob
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ESS Club: Nukkad Natak, NGO Fashion Walk, Meme Making, Face Painting, Monologues
Aligned with its theme, Spectrum 2026 showcased the essence of Desi Maximalism, offering a visually rich and culturally immersive experience. The festival seamlessly blended tradition with modern creative expression, emerging as a dynamic platform for young talent.
With strong participation from colleges across Ahmedabad and neighbouring regions, Spectrum 2026 celebrated not only artistic excellence but also collaboration, diversity, and community spirit. The successful execution of the event underscored the dedication of students and faculty, reinforcing NIFT Gandhinagar’s commitment to holistic education, innovation, and cultural leadership.