NIFT International Conference

Spectrum 2026 & Alumni Meet was a three-day annual campus fest organized at NIFT Raebareli from 26 to 28 March 2026. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, club coordinators, and alumni through a vibrant mix of sports, cultural, literary, and creative activities. Competitions and performances such as basketball, badminton, futsal, debates, music, dance, fashion showcases, talent events, and photography provided students with opportunities to demonstrate creativity, teamwork, innovation, and sportsmanship. The event promoted holistic development and strengthened campus community engagement.

NIFT Varanasi celebrated the 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with patriotism and enthusiasm, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to honour the Indian Constitution. Joint Director Prof. Dr. Smriti Yadav hoisted the national flag, followed by the anthem and a salute from the NIFT contingent. Her address highlighted constitutional values and citizen’s responsibilities. Energetic cultural performances showcased India's diversity, followed by a Republic Day-themed Styling Competition where students displayed creative fashion inspired by national heritage. The celebrations concluded with group photographs capturing the spirit of unity and pride.

Description: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Varanasi, celebrated the 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with immense patriotic fervour and a deep sense of national pride. Students, faculty members, and staff gathered together on this occasion to honour the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and to reaffirm the spirit of national unity and integrity that binds the country together.
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag by NIFT's Joint Director, Prof. Dr. Smriti Yadav, followed by the singing of the national anthem and a dignified salute presented by the NIFT Varanasi contingent. Students and faculty stood in respectful attention as the tricolour was unfurled. In her address, the Joint Director spoke thoughtfully on the significance of the Indian Constitution, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the vital role of youth in shaping the nation's future.
Following the flag hoisting, an energetic and vibrant cultural segment featured performances that beautifully celebrated India's diversity and creative spirit. The occasion also included a Republic Day-themed Styling Competition, wherein students displayed remarkable creativity and fashion sensibility, drawing inspiration from national symbols, heritage, and contemporary aesthetics.

The celebrations concluded with group photographs capturing the camaraderie and pride shared by the NIFT Varanasi family, marking a memorable and meaningful tribute to the nation's enduring democratic journey.

Fashion Spectrum 2026, organised by NIFT Varanasi, opened with an energetic inauguration ceremony, followed by literary events like Short Story Writing, Rapid Rhyme, and Extempore Debate. Creative performances including Nukkad Natak, Stand-Up Comedy, and Art Parody kept the stage lively, while Face Painting and Hip-Hop Face-off boosted participation. Cultural highlights featured Theme Dance, Group Dance, and Classical Face-off, alongside musical acts like Rap Battle and performances by Team Banarasi Gayak and Malaki Band. The event culminated in a spectacular Fashion Show showcasing student designs with confidence and style.
Description : Fashion Spectrum 2026 was organised by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Varanasi campus, commencing with an Opening Ceremony that set an enthusiastic tone for the entire event. The program featured a range of literary competitions, including Short Story Writing, Rapid Rhyme, Image & Imagination, and Extempore Debate, giving students a platform to express their ideas with creativity and confidence.
The event further included performance-based activities such as Nukkad Natak, Stand-Up Comedy, Monologue, and Art Parody, which kept the stage dynamic and engaging throughout. Additional activities like Face Painting and Hip-Hop Face-off encouraged strong student participation and added a fun, interactive element to the proceedings.
Debate contests promoted intellectual engagement, which was boosted by eye-catching booth displays and innovative showcases. The event's main draw was its cultural events, which included Rap Battle, Solo Singing, Duet Singing, and Theme Dance, Solo Dance, Group Dance, and Classical Face-off. Bands like the Malaki Band and Team Banarasi Gayak infused the event with extraordinary vitality and zeal.

Organised entirely by NIFT Varanasi, the event reached its grand finale with the Fashion Show, where students presented their original designs with notable confidence, creativity, and style, marking a memorable conclusion to Fashion Spectrum 2026.

The NIFT Patna campus transformed into a sanctuary of tranquility as faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2026. Bathed in the soft morning sunlight, the central lawns shimmered with rows of yoga mats, setting a serene stage for an event centered on physical alignment, inner calm, and collective harmony.
Guided by the overarching theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, the session served as a gentle, powerful reminder that holistic wellness is a continuous, lifelong pursuit. Participants breathed in unison, moving through fluid asanas and deep pranayama exercises that released stress and restored vitality. The rhythmic rise and fall of collective breath created a soothing atmosphere, bridging physical movement with mental clarity.
Laughter and lighthearted camaraderie filled the air between postures, turning a simple wellness routine into a meaningful bond across the campus community. The practice highlighted how mindfulness and balance are just as essential to the creative process as they are to long-term vitality. By the time the final meditative silence settled over the grounds, the event left an enduring mark—inspiring everyone to carry the spirit of harmony, strength, and mindful living into their everyday lives.

NIFT Panchkula celebrated Independence Day with patriotic pride, Flag Hoisting and Tree Plantation. The campus welcomed Chief Guest Brigadier HPS Bedi and Guest of Honour Mr. Ajay Mohan Bansal, AVP, HSIIDC. Inspiring addresses were followed by poetry, singing, solo and group dances, a powerful Nukkad Natak by Dhwani, and a vibrant Verve Fashion Show celebrating handlooms. The celebration concluded with Prize Distribution for Independence & Handloom Week, honoring talent, creativity, and excellence in a spirited atmosphere.

The 4th Alumni Meet of NIFT Panchkula was held on 26 May 2026 at the Board Room, following the Graduation Project Show. The interactive session brought together alumni from diverse batches and disciplines with faculty members, creating a valuable platform for professional exchange, reflection, and networking. 
Key discussions focused on the growing potential of the knitwear industry in Ludhiana, the integration of AI and technology into design education, industry-readiness, communication skills, work-life balance, and emerging cross-disciplinary career opportunities. Alumni also recommended stronger industry-academic collaboration, structured design feedback, and integrated Design, Management, Technology, and Communication skills.
A major outcome was the announcement of the Knitwear Design programme at NIFT Panchkula from July 2026, with opportunities for alumni mentorship, industry visits, live projects, and internships. The event concluded with a group photograph and High Tea networking session.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi successfully hosted a vibrant Handloom Day celebration on August 7, 2026. As detailed in the event posters, the celebration honoured traditional weavers while looking toward the future of sustainable fashion. Coordinated by CIC Dr. Tulika Mahanty, the event featured a curated two-day Mini Craft Bazaar (August 6th & 7th) on the 3rd floor, alongside a captivating exhibition on the 2nd floor that showcased the creative works of textile design students. A major highlight was the panel discussion in the 4th-floor auditorium themed, "Handloom for Gen Z: Reimagining Slow Fashion." Led by esteemed panellists Mr. Parvez Alam (Project Director ,Antaran, Tata Trusts) and designer Aman Hussain, the session engaged Semester 1 students in critical conversations about design innovation, sustainable consumption, and artisan empowerment. The celebration successfully bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the next generation of designers.

NIFT New Delhi commemorated the 80th Independence Day with a ceremonial observance attended by faculty, staff, and students. The National Flag was unfurled by Director Prof. Shinju Mahajan, followed by a cultural programme reflecting the collective spirit of the occasion. The Literary Club presented patriotic recitations, complemented by dance performances set to nationalist compositions and a musical rendition by Rang. The gathering underscored the campus community's shared commitment to the values enshrined in the nation's independence.

The Annual Design Collection (DC) Show of NIFT Kangra was successfully held on 25 May 2026 amidst great enthusiasm and celebration of creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship. The event marked the culmination of the academic journey of the graduating students and served as a platform to showcase their talent and design excellence.

The Convocation Ceremony for the graduating batch of 2025 was held with great solemnity and pride at Tanda Auditorium. The Chief Guest, Padamshree Biman Bihari Das, graced the occasion with his presence and inspiring words. The Guest of Honour, Ms. Deepshikha Chawla, added to the dignity of the event. Other distinguished dignitaries included Dr. Shinju Mahajan, Head of Academic Affairs, NIFT, who administered the convocation pledge, and Prof. (Dr.) Rahul Chandra, Director, NIFT Kangra, who presented the academic report. The ceremony marked the formal conferment of degrees to the graduating students, celebrating their academic achievements and future aspirations.

A special demonstration was also organized to understand the process of Jodhpuri Bandhej, where National Awardee Md. Sharif provided information about Jodhpuri Bandhej and taught the trainees how to tie and dye Bandhej with their own hands.

As part of their winter study tour, a delegation of IAS officer trainees from the 2025 batch of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration visited NIFT Jodhpur, on 9th March, 2026.

Director Prof. G.H.S. Prasad apprised them of the institute's state-of-the-art experiments and innovations.

CIC Dr. Ankur Saxena ​shared detailed information about the crafts of Rajasthan with all the IAS trainees.
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A special demonstration was also organized to understand the process of Jodhpuri Bandhej, where National Awardee Md. Sharif provided information about Jodhpuri Bandhej and taught the trainees how to tie and dye Bandhej with their own hands.

NIFT Hyderabad organised a special programme on the occasion of National Handloom Day, featuring a guest interaction titled “Conversation on Crafts, Clusters and Costume” with Ms. Lipsa Hembram. The programme aimed to provide students with practical insights into traditional crafts, artisan communities, craft clusters, and contemporary design practices.

NIFT, in collaboration with the Development Commissioner Handlooms and Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organised CHHAAP 2025 at Shilparamam, Hyderabad. The six-day festival brought together artisans, students, faculty, alumni, designers, industry stakeholders, and the public to celebrate India’s diverse handloom and handicraft traditions. 
The event featured 57 craft and handloom stalls and 33 alumni stalls, creating a platform for traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design, and artisan entrepreneurship. Major highlights included the Theme Pavilion, showcasing craft-based academic engagement from NIFT campuses, and Sampadā, a fashion showcase interpreting traditional crafts through contemporary design. 
The programme further included live craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, the NIFT Signature Series with Dolly Jain, the VisioNxt Masterclass, an Authenticity and Textile Identification session, and a GI seminar addressing traceability, authenticity, and the significance of Geographical Indications. 
Cultural performances complemented the craft-focused activities, creating an integrated celebration of India’s tangible and intangible heritage. 
Overall, CHHAAP 2025 strengthened the connection between design education, traditional knowledge, contemporary innovation, and public engagement, reaffirming NIFT’s commitment to craft preservation, sustainability, and cultural appreciation. 

Inspired by the brilliant, counted-thread Soof embroidery of Gujarat, the logo honors the deliberate geometry stitched by its female artisans. The interlocking triangular shapes directly replicate the craft's signature motifs, symbolizing structured growth, deep-rooted heritage, and the sharp vision of the women who craft these masterpieces without having a single pencil sketch. A heritage of unbroken colorful threads, interlaced and imbedded in Soof.

On August 8, 2026, the First-Semester Master of Fashion Management (MFM) cohort conducted an experiential industrial visit to the Raymond manufacturing facility and its factory outlet in Vapi. Designed around the core module of Buying & Merchandising, the field visit bridged academic theory with end-to-end industry operations—tracing the journey of apparel from raw textile production to retail merchandising.
Key Learning Objectives & Observations
1. Sourcing & Production Merchandising (Factory Unit)
Fabric Processing & Quality Control: Students observed the processing lines for premium worsted fabrics, gaining insight into yarn selection, weaving density, and finished textile grading.
Production Planning Control (PPC): Factory supervisors demonstrated how orders transition from buyer tech packs to floor production schedules, highlighting lead-time management and yield optimization.
Costing Factors: The technical team detailed bill-of-materials (BOM) management, waste reduction techniques, and operational efficiency metrics critical for industrial buyers.
2. Retail Merchandising & Outlet Management (Vapi Outlet)
Floor Layout & Assortment Planning: At the Vapi factory outlet, students analyzed floor space allocation, stock-keeping unit (SKU) density, and product segmentation across tailored suits, casual wear, and accessories.
Visual Merchandising (VM): The visit covered focal-point creation, mannequin styling, and promotional signage strategies designed to move high-volume factory stock.
Inventory Control & Discounting: Store management explained inventory turnover rates, clearance strategies, aging stock markdowns, and consumer buying behavior in off-price retail environments.
Operational Overview
Metric
Details
Total Attendees
28 Students + Faculty
Primary Industry Focus
Suiting, Shirring & Retail Operations
Core Operational Segments
Textile Manufacturing, PPC, VM & Inventory Management
Key Takeaway
Alignment of factory production constraints with retail buying calendars

In connection with the 80th Independence Day, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Daman, celebrated the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign on the eve of Independence Day with immense pride and patriotic fervor. To spread the message of national unity and honor the spirit of freedom, campus students organized a vibrant procession led by Campus Director Mr. Khushal Jangid, Campus Academic Coordinator Dr. Vidhu Sekhar P., and SDAC Advisor Dr. Rahul Kushwaha. Over 120 enthusiastic students from the Fashion Design, Textile Design, and Fashion Management departments actively participated, filling the atmosphere with energy as they proudly carried the National Flag and chanted patriotic slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram."
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Campus Director Mr. Khushal Jangid shared an inspiring message with the gathering, stating, "As an institution dedicated to creativity and innovation, it is essential that our creative expressions remain rooted in national pride. The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is not merely about hoisting the flag; it is a celebration of our collective identity, unity, and shared responsibility toward building a forward-looking India. Seeing our young designers come together with such passion reflects the true spirit of our nation's bright future."
Adding an artistic touch to the celebrations, a colorful Rangoli competition was held alongside the procession, allowing the design students to showcase their creativity while honoring the nation’s heritage. Student teams created six outstanding Rangoli artworks centered around the theme of the independence era, beautifully highlighting key historical milestones and national symbols through intricate patterns and bright colors. The event successfully demonstrated a strong sense of community, national pride, and artistic expression across the NIFT Daman campus as everyone came together to celebrate Independent India.

Brief Description (approximately 80 words)
The Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony was organized at NIFT Bhubaneswar on 15 August 2026. The National Flag was hoisted by Prof. (Dr.) Vibhavari Kumar, Director, NIFT Bhubaneswar, in the presence of students, faculty members, officers and staff. The ceremony began with collective singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, after the flag was hoisted. The programme was conducted with due solemnity and patriotic fervor, reflecting the NIFT community’s respect for the National Flag and the spirit of Independence Day.

Detailed Description (approximately 200 words)
The Flag Hoisting Ceremony constituted the central ceremonial component of the Independence Day celebrations at NIFT Bhubaneswar on 15 August 2026. The National Flag was hoisted by Dr. Vibhavari Kumar, Director, NIFT Bhubaneswar, in the presence of students, faculty members, officers and staff of the Institute. The ceremony commenced with the collective singing of the National Song, Vande Mataram. Following the hoisting of the National Flag, the participants joined in singing the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Dr. Vibhavari Kumar, Director, NIFT, Bhubaneswar delivered a speech about Independence Day highlighting the important role of individuals in nation building. The proceedings were conducted with due solemnity and patriotic fervor, maintaining the dignity associated with the national occasion. The participation of the wider NIFT community demonstrated respect for the National Flag and reflected the spirit of Independence Day. The ceremony also served as a common platform for students and members of the Institute to come together in observance of the national celebration. Photographs placed in the report document the flag hoisting and participation of the NIFT community during the ceremony.

NIFT Bhubaneswar celebrated Handloom Week by bringing together tradition, craftsmanship, creativity, sustainability, and contemporary fashion. The week-long celebration engaged students with India’s rich handloom heritage through discussions, workshops, demonstrations, competitions, and fashion activities.

Panel Discussion – 05 August 2026: The celebration began with a panel discussion featuring Ms. Lipsa Hembram, Dr. Anita Sabat, Ms. Shashirekha Mohanta, and Shri Surendra Ku. Patra. The session explored the cultural significance, challenges, and future of handloom textiles.

Handloom Quiz – 06 August 2026: Students tested their knowledge of Indian handlooms, textiles, crafts, and weaving traditions, encouraging greater awareness of textile heritage.

Weaving Workshop & Live Demonstration – 07 August 2026: Students experienced traditional weaving firsthand and gained insight into the skill, precision, patience, and dedication behind handwoven textiles.

30-Second Ad Competition – 07 August 2026: Students promoted handloom through creative storytelling, visuals, and contemporary advertising concepts.

Thrift Stall – 10–11 August 2026: The initiative highlighted sustainable fashion, reuse, conscious consumption, and responsible practices.

Handloom Styling Competition & Fashion Show – 13 August 2026: Students and faculty reinterpreted handloom through contemporary silhouettes, draping, accessories, styling, and expressive presentations, demonstrating its versatility and relevance to modern fashion.

Overall, Handloom Week successfully connected India’s textile heritage with education, sustainability, creativity, and contemporary fashion, encouraging students to appreciate, reinterpret, and promote handloom in new and meaningful ways.

The three-day Orientation Programme 2026 at NIFT Chennai was organised from 29–31 July 2026 under the theme “Unscripted,” reflecting creativity, curiosity and the possibilities of a designer’s journey. The programme was designed to familiarise the incoming students with NIFT’s academic environment, institutional culture, campus facilities and support systems.

The first day included registration, welcome kit distribution, an inaugural session, an audio-visual presentation on NIFT Chennai, an introduction to the Foundation Programme, academic guidance, alumni interaction and sessions on the Campus Management System and hostel affairs. An awareness session by the Narcotics Department also focused on responsibility and student well-being.

The second day introduced students to NIFT’s Student Activity Clubs, the Internal Complaints Committee, innovation-oriented initiatives, leadership skills and professional etiquette. A creative workshop provided students with an engaging hands-on learning experience.

The final day featured sessions on Craft and Cluster Studies, Handloom and Entrepreneurship, and Know Your City – Namma Chennai. The creative workshop culminated in an exhibition of students’ artworks, showcasing their creativity, experimentation and diverse visual expressions.

The programme concluded with the Freshers’ Talent Show, where students confidently presented music, dance and other performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and belonging.

The Handloom Carnival at NIFT Chennai was celebrated with great enthusiasm as part of National Handloom Day. Around 280 students participated in the #WearYourTribe Fashion Walk, proudly styling and showcasing handloom textiles representing diverse Indian traditions. Students explored sarees, dresses, shirts, and contemporary ensembles while celebrating the beauty of indigenous weaves. From Kanchipuram silk and Chettinad cotton to Ilkal, Chanderi, Kalamkari and Sambalpuri textiles, the event became a vibrant celebration of India's rich handloom heritage, creativity and cultural identity.

The Handloom Carnival at NIFT Chennai was successfully conducted on 7th August 2026 as a vibrant celebration of National Handloom Day. The event brought together around 280 enthusiastic students who participated in the #WearYourTribe Fashion Walk, using fashion as a medium to celebrate India's diverse textile traditions.

Students came dressed in handloom sarees, dresses, shirts, skirts, jackets and contemporary silhouettes, creatively styling traditional textiles in their own individual ways. The walk showcased the richness of Indian handlooms, including Kanchipuram silk sarees, Chettinad cotton sarees, Ilkal sarees, Chanderi sarees, Sambalpuri sarees, Maheshwari sarees, Bengal cotton sarees, Mangalagiri cotton, Kerala Kasavu, Kalamkari textiles and handwoven Khadi. Students also incorporated handloom fabrics into contemporary dresses, co-ord sets, shirts, jackets and fusion ensembles.

The event highlighted how traditional textiles can be reinterpreted through contemporary fashion while retaining their cultural identity. The diverse styling reflected the students' personal connection with their regional traditions and demonstrated that handlooms can seamlessly move between heritage and modern expression.

The enthusiastic participation, vibrant presentation and collective spirit made the Handloom Carnival a great success, creating a meaningful platform for students to wear, celebrate and promote India's handloom heritage.

"Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" was an insightful exhibition-cum-sale featuring Master Weaver Sri. Harikrishnanganesan. The event showcased authentic Kancheepuram saree motifs, traditional yarn varieties, and natural dye samples on silk and cotton. Visitors gained hands-on technical understanding through live demonstrations of the Jacquard weaving process and the intricate Jaala technique using a mini Jacquard box. Accompanied by an engaging talk on the intricate process of Kancheepuram silk weaving, the session offered an immersive look into India's rich handloom heritage.

Organised by SDAC and CIC in collaboration with NIFT Chennai, the Ministry of Textiles, and DCHL, "Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" was an educational exhibition-cum-sale celebrating India’s rich textile heritage. The event featured renowned Master Weaver and silk saree designer, Sri. Harikrishnanganesan, who brought the legendary craft of Kancheepuram silk weaving directly to life.

The event offered attendees an immersive technical and artistic experience. Key highlights included a display of traditional Kancheepuram saree motifs, diverse yarn types, and vibrant natural dye samples rendered on both cotton and silk bases. To bridge theory with practice, Sri.Harikrishnanganesan delivered an expert talk detailing every phase of the Kancheepuram weaving journey—from initial thread preparation to final execution. Adding tremendous value to the event were live craft demonstrations. Visitors witnessed live displays of the complex Jaala technique, a mini Jacquard box, and the intricate mechanics of Jacquard weaving firsthand. The combination of rare technical insights, live artisan demonstrations, and an exclusive saree sale made "Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" a memorable celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship, deeply appreciated by faculties and design students.

NIFT Gandhinagar to host Chhaap - a vibrant platform where tradition meets innovation. The event will feature over 100 artisan and NIFT alumni stalls representing diverse crafts, textiles, and creative enterprises from across the country. Visitors can also explore the NIFT Theme Pavilion, NIFT CCI and outreach exhibits, showcasing design-led initiatives and community engagement projects.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is participating as the official Knowledge Partner for Bharat Tex 2026, where it will lead dynamic masterclasses, panel discussions, and pitch fests to shape the future of India's textile and fashion ecosystem.