Hailing from a very small village in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh—where design was rarely viewed as a viable career—I am grateful to say that I have come a long way. NIFT became one of the turning point of my life. It gave me exposure, opportunities, and the courage to transform from an introverted student into someone who could confidently lead projects and initiatives.

I am currently working as a Textile Designer at Karomi Crafts and Textiles, where I design handloom Jamdani textiles and Kantha embroidery products while working closely with artisan communities across Bengal. My role involves developing contemporary designs rooted in traditional craftsmanship and supporting the preservation of handloom and handmade textile practices.

They say education prepares you for a career, but the finest education prepares you for life. For me, NIFT Shillong was far more than a college—it was a transformative journey that shaped my perspective, strengthened my character, and gave me the confidence to trust myself. Nestled in the scenic hills of Meghalaya and surrounded by the cultural richness of the North-East, NIFT Shillong provided an education that extended beyond classrooms.

Arvind Rathore, a graduate of NIFT Bhubaneswar (2010–2014), has built a successful career in menswear design and apparel. He is associated with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., with expertise spanning design, product development and apparel. His professional experience includes working across menswear categories such as formalwear, smart casuals and outerwear, combining creative design with market-oriented product development.

Bidisha Adhikary, a graduate of NIFT Bhubaneswar (2012–2016), is the Founder of Bidisha Adhikary Designs Pvt. Ltd. She has established her career in fashion and textile design, combining traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Her work reflects a strong focus on sustainable fashion, innovative textiles, surface ornamentation, and handcrafted techniques. Through her brand, she promotes responsible design while creating distinctive fashion products.

My journey into textiles began at NIFT Kangra, where a strong foundation was built in textile science, garment construction, and manufacturing. A semester exchange at ENSAIT in Lille, France, sparked a curiosity for global fashion and product development, inspiring an international outlook on the industry. Later, completing a Master’s in Business in Paris further strengthened understanding of strategy, leadership, and the commercial side of fashion.