Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar informed that a unique collaborative effort that aimed to unite the five prestigious institutes under the Ministry of Textiles and Commerce & Industry, fostering an industry-academia interface and building a global professional network, culminated in a grand event on August 26, 2023. The initiative, which was launched in 2022, showcased its first series of professional meets at the NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN's Gandhinagar Campus. The event's purpose was to disseminate the vision of convergence as conceptualized by the Hon’ble Minister, providing a platform for the alumni from the five participating institutes to convene and explore the potential for building a robust Global Professional Network. A significant turnout of enthusiastic NIFT Gandhinagar alumni graced the event.

Established in 1995, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar is a prestigious academic institution dedicated to design education. Located in one of the nation’s most advanced, secure, and pristine cities, the campus serves as a hub for cultivating in-depth knowledge of fashion industry history and technological expertise. NIFT Gandhinagar offers a comprehensive range of programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education, all aimed at fostering a profound comprehension of design, technology and fashion management. The undergraduate spectrum comprises specialized B.Des and B.F.Tech courses spanning Fashion, Accessory, Textile and Fashion Communication, while postgraduate offerings encompass M.F.M and M.Des courses – stated Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar.

Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar explainedthe core aim of this collaborative endeavor is to establish a comprehensive professional network among the esteemed alumni of the five prestigious institutes. This endeavor is driven by a set of visionary objectives:

Global Alumni Network Platform Creation: A fundamental goal is the establishment of a dynamic Global Alumni Network platform. This platform will serve as a virtual hub, uniting alumni from diverse fields of expertise and geographical locations, fostering connections that transcend borders.

Cultivating a Mutually Beneficial Culture: The collaboration seeks to cultivate a two-way symbiotic culture that nurtures meaningful interactions among alumni hailing from all five institutes. By facilitating cross-linkages and interactions, this culture will encourage knowledge exchange, collaboration, and mutual growth.

Sustained Alumni Database Enhancement: An ongoing effort will be dedicated to the continuous compilation and formulation of a robust mechanism for updating the alumni database of each individual institute. This meticulous record-keeping ensures that the network remains up-to-date and relevant.

Holistic Ecosystem Creation: A pivotal aspiration is the establishment of a holistic ecosystem that provides a 360-degree support system. This support system will not only benefit alumni but also extend its care to students, faculty, and the institutes themselves. By fostering an environment of mutual support, this ecosystem will drive growth and excellence.

Efficient Professional and Academic Think-Tank Formation: The collaboration's visionary ambition is the creation of an effective professional and academic think-tank. Comprising diverse minds and perspectives, this think-tank will serve as a powerhouse of innovative ideas, contributing to India's emergence as a global leader in the creative economy.

Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar also highlighted that this collaboration is designed to weave together a tapestry of alumni excellence, transcending institutional boundaries. Through the fulfillment of these objectives, it strives to build a robust and interconnected community that not only empowers its members but also has a far-reaching positive impact on the global creative landscape, positioning India at the forefront of creative innovation.

The event was attended by numerous esteemed alumni who enthusiastically participated in the convergence initiatative. The participants convened at the Gandhinagar Campus and engaged in insightful discussions, reflecting the strong desire to strengthen ties and promote collaboration among the alumni of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), National Institute of Design (NID), and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) – informed Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar.

Shri Praveen Nahar, Director, NID inaugurated the event by delivering a presentation. In his speech, he discussed the significance of collaboration and emphasized the importance of bringing together the five institutes. He extended a warm welcome to all the alumni, underscoring the uniqueness of this gathering which unites graduates from esteemed institutions to engage in discussions about future collaborations.

Prof. Dr. Jonalee Bajpai, Head – Industry and alumni affairs, NIFT elaborated on the ideation process that led to the creation of CORE (Convergence of Resource and Ecosystem), elucidating how the amalgamation of the five institutes will bring enhanced benefits to everyone involved. She also outlined the goals and the prospective path that CORE will undertake.

The event commenced at 6:00 PM and lasted until 9:00 PM, providing a comprehensive agenda that encapsulated the essence of the convergence initiative:

Presentation on the Idea of the Convergence: A detailed overview of the convergence concept was presented, emphasizing its potential to create synergies and cross-linkages among the alumni of the five institutes.

Overview of the 5 Institutes: A comprehensive overview of each participating institute was provided, highlighting their unique contributions and strengths.

Open House Discussion on Convergence with the Alumni: An interactive session allowed alumni to openly discuss their perspectives on convergence and propose ideas to facilitate collaboration.

Performances or Planned Activities: The attendees were treated to captivating performances or activities that added a touch of creativity and entertainment to the event.

Vote of Thanks: The organizers extended their gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement in the convergence initiative.

The event marked a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the convergence initiative, particularly in creating a Global Alumni Network platform, fostering cross-linkages among alumni, and establishing a support ecosystem for all stakeholders involved. The collaboration's success was evident in the enthusiastic participation of the alumni and their shared commitment to contributing to India’s emerging global creative economy – informed Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFTGandhinagar.

The event was undoubtedly a resounding success, setting a promising tone for the future endeavors of the convergence initiative.

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