Gandhinagar : The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar inaugurated its Orientation Programme 2026 for the newly admitted Fresher Batch with an inspiring ceremony that celebrated learning, creativity and responsible leadership. Held under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, the programme was attended by Dr. Jayanti Ravi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Gujarat, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Rebecca Reubens, Founder and Principal Designer, RHIZOME, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony commenced with the traditional Deep Prajwalan, followed by the rendition of the Rashtra Geet and Saraswati Vandana, symbolising the beginning of a new academic journey for the students. Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sumita Agrawal, Assistant Professor, introduced students and parents to NIFT Gandhinagar’s academic programmes, industry collaborations, international exposure, research initiatives, campus facilities and opportunities for holistic development.
Addressing the freshers, Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sood described the beginning of the orientation on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima as a moment of pride and new beginnings. He encouraged students to cultivate discipline, integrity, resilience and compassion while embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Quoting the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he urged students to overcome procrastination, pursue lifelong learning and strive for excellence.
Highlighting the future of design education, Dr. Sood spoke about emerging opportunities in sustainability, circular economy, textile recycling, responsible innovation and green entrepreneurship. He encouraged students to contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainability movement through innovative and socially responsible design solutions while exploring career opportunities across fashion, luxury, technology, digital media, automotive design, entrepreneurship and other creative industries.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rebecca Reubens inspired students to view design as a powerful tool for social and environmental transformation. She emphasised that every design decision reflects the values and ethics of the designer and encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices through responsible material choices, repairability, recycling and inclusive design.
She also advocated the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence with traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating how technology and heritage can together create innovative, commercially viable and socially relevant solutions. Encouraging students to engage in research and contribute to India’s design scholarship, she reminded them of the importance of continuous learning and ethical leadership.
Chief Guest Dr. Jayanti Ravi, IAS welcomed students from across the country and assured parents that NIFT Gandhinagar provides a nurturing ecosystem for academic, creative and personal growth. She urged students to think critically, embrace innovation with humility, and become compassionate leaders committed to societal transformation.
Emphasising Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit, she encouraged students to seize opportunities with honesty, perseverance and purpose. Stressing the importance of collaboration over competition, she called upon students to balance academic excellence with emotional well-being, creativity, ethical values and leadership.
The three-day Orientation Programme marks the beginning of the academic journey for the Fresher Batch 2026, introducing students to NIFT’s creative ecosystem, industry engagement, academic culture and commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible design. The programme includes interactive sessions, workshops, campus familiarisation activities and interactions with faculty members, alumni, industry experts and senior students to prepare them for a transformative learning experience.