The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute in New Delhi today. She conferred certificates to over 500 graduates.

The President recalled that FDDI was declared an Institute of national importance in 2017. She noted that India ranks second globally in footwear production and consumption and said that as these graduating students establish their own startups in India, exports are expected to rise further, boosting income and strengthening employment through Atmanirbharta.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, while congratulating the graduates, said that they are professionals who will connect the artisans in villages, the engineers in factories and the consumers seeking the best products. He added that India is entering into many free trade agreements with developed countries, which is opening new opportunities for the industry and for FDDI graduates.

Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Shri Jitin Prasada said that with a network of 12 campuses, FDDI has emerged as a premier institute providing specialised education in footwear design, technology and related fields. He said that as a specialised national institute under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, FDDI sits at the intersection of design, technology, manufacturing and retail, and that it learns from industry and, in turn, helps the industry move up the value chain.

Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s words from 1897, Shri Goyal said that the world today shares the same faith in India’s youth. He noted that the global community is looking forward to working with India, entering new trading arrangements and strengthening economic cooperation with the country. He added that FDDI is also a symbol of women’s leadership, with more than 70% of its students being women who make the institute and the country proud. Shri Goyal expressed confidence that the graduating students will hold the Indian flag high as they capture world markets and ensure that Indian products made in India are available across the globe. He said that wherever the students go, they will become India’s brand ambassadors, carrying the strength and aspirations of 140 crore Indians.

Shri Goyal, while addressing the students, highlighted that life is a continuous journey of learning, re-skilling, re-training and often unlearning, which is essential for progress. He said that the ability to be agile, to think big, dream big and achieve big differentiates Indian youth from the rest of the world. He also noted that India’s footwear, leather and lifestyle products enjoy strong domestic and global demand due to excellent craftsmanship, rich heritage and the vast market of 140 crore Indians.

Shri Goyal offered five suggestions to the students as they step into the professional world. First, he urged the students to connect with villages, highlighting the importance of engaging with rural communities to gain fresh perspectives and inspire innovation. He recalled President Murmu’s advice at the National Institute of Design convocation earlier this year, which encouraged students to spend time in villages as it opens up new ways of looking at the world. Shri Goyal cited sustainable biodegradable leather products made using banana fibre and thread, showcased at the Bharat Pradarshani, as a prime example of the innovative ideas and meaningful outcomes that can emerge when graduates connect with grassroots practices and local craftsmanship.

Second, the Minister urged students to actively explore blue-ocean opportunities and identify untapped niches in the global market for fashionable products. He emphasised the importance of innovation and value-driven design, citing the growing demand for economically designed, diabetic-friendly footwear as an example of how new ideas can create entirely new segments. He encouraged the graduating batch to think beyond conventional models, anticipate emerging needs, and develop products that combine style, comfort, and purpose.

Third, he called on the students to contribute to India’s journey toward moving up the global value chain by creating products that embody excellence at every stage. He emphasised that Indian goods must not only be premium and beautifully curated but also durable, high-quality and crafted using sustainable raw materials.

Fourth, Shri Goyal emphasised upholding the highest standards of ethics, safety and quality with zero compromise.

Fifth, he encouraged them to embrace Swadeshi, saying it has the power to open new avenues and that as India becomes Atmanirbhar, its talent will reach global markets with full confidence. He said there is no looking back for India and that the future is bright.

The Minister urged students to help expand the industry to meet the needs of an ever-growing economy. Highlighting that India has been the world’s fastest growing large economy for the last four years, he said that as prosperity grows, people spend more on textiles and footwear. He added that as India moves from a 4 trillion-dollar economy today to a 30 trillion dollar economy by 2047, the scope for growth in the sector will be immense and achieving a Developed India by 2047 is a collective resolution.

Shri Goyal concluded with a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing confidence in the ability of young people to make the years leading up to 2047 the most important in India’s history. He urged the graduating students to make their mark, take the country to greater heights and be a part of the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Ishita Biswas

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