President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged graduating students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to develop a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and values.
Addressing the NIFT Combined Convocation 2026 in New Delhi, President Murmu said that India’s textile and apparel sector is not only an important part of the country’s cultural heritage but also provides livelihoods to millions of people. She encouraged students to use their education, creativity and skills to take Indian fashion and textile traditions to markets across the world.
The President highlighted the immense potential of India’s fashion and textile industry and said that young designers and professionals can play an important role in strengthening the country’s global presence. She called upon students to combine traditional Indian textile knowledge with contemporary design, modern technology and changing consumer preferences.
President Murmu also emphasised the growing role of women in the fashion sector. Around 85 per cent of the nearly 4,000 students attending the convocation were women, reflecting the significant participation of women in fashion education and the wider creative industry.
Graduating students from 18 NIFT campuses across the country were conferred degrees during the combined convocation. The ceremony marked the completion of their academic journey and the beginning of their professional careers in fashion, design, technology and related creative fields.
The President said that NIFT students and professionals have made significant contributions at both national and international levels over the past four decades. She appreciated their efforts in promoting Indian textiles, silk, crafts and design traditions on the global stage and urged the new generation of graduates to carry this legacy forward.
She encouraged the students to view India’s cultural diversity as a source of creativity and innovation. According to the President, India’s traditional crafts and textile heritage can be given a contemporary global identity through new ideas, technology, sustainable practices and innovative design approaches.
President Murmu also called upon the graduating students to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. She said that young people should not limit themselves to becoming job seekers, but should also aspire to become job creators by developing businesses, launching innovative ventures and creating employment opportunities for others.
Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, the President encouraged the students to have confidence in their abilities and explore new opportunities in India’s expanding creative economy. She said their knowledge and imagination could contribute not only to the fashion industry but also to the country’s broader economic and social development.
The convocation brought together students, faculty members, scholars, officials and distinguished guests from across the country. Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh and senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles also attended the occasion.
NIFT, established in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, has emerged as a leading institution for fashion education in India. Its academic approach combines traditional arts and crafts with design innovation, technology, creative thinking, academic learning and industry engagement.
Congratulating the graduating students, President Murmu wished them success in their future careers and urged them to remain innovative, responsible and connected to India’s cultural identity as they enter the global fashion and creative industries.
She said that the graduates have the opportunity to showcase India’s rich heritage to the world while creating new and contemporary expressions of Indian design. Her message to the students was to look beyond national boundaries, embrace global opportunities and competition, but remain deeply rooted in the cultural values and traditions that make Indian creativity unique.
