NIFT Mumbai Inaugurates New Academic Complex, Celebrates 2025 Convocation

The newly inaugurated academic complex stands as a testament to NIFT Mumbai’s continuous growth and evolving infrastructure.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai, marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of its newly constructed academic buildings and the convocation ceremony for the graduating batch of 2025. The dual celebration, held at the institute’s Kharghar campus, symbolized NIFT’s commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and excellence in fashion education.

The event was graced by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, who inaugurated the Academic Buildings I, II, III, and a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Hall. His presence reflected the Government’s vision of strengthening design and textile education in India, fostering new generations of creative professionals capable of shaping the global fashion landscape.

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Expanding Horizons: New Academic Buildings at Kharghar

The newly inaugurated academic complex stands as a testament to NIFT Mumbai’s continuous growth and evolving infrastructure. Spanning 8,352.12 square metres, the expanded campus houses:

• Curated classrooms and design studios designed for immersive and hands-on learning.

• Advanced laboratories for textile testing, digital design, and apparel production.

• A multi-purpose venue and 500-seat auditorium for cultural programs, exhibitions, and symposia.

The complex embodies sustainability, functionality, and creativity, ensuring that NIFT Mumbai continues to be among India’s most advanced and inspiring fashion education hubs.

After unveiling the commemorative plaque, the Minister toured the new academic block, observing technical textile demonstrations and student design exhibits that showcased India’s emerging design talent.

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Minister Highlights India’s Design Renaissance

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pabitra Margherita commended the institute for promoting innovation, skill development, and design entrepreneurship. He noted that NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Daman have become pillars of India’s design ecosystem, merging modern education with the country’s deep-rooted cultural and artisanal traditions.

“It is this very culture of innovation and creativity that NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Daman cultivate every day,” he said. “With state-of-the-art infrastructure, skilled faculty, and a vibrant student community, both campuses stand tall among the most respected design institutions in the country.”

He further reflected on the transformation of the global fashion industry, noting that the focus has shifted “from commercial success to conscious creation.” Emphasizing sustainability, ethical fashion, and the revival of Indian textiles, the Minister observed, “There is a renewed pride in rediscovering India’s textile heritage—from natural dyeing and hand weaving to recycling and zero-waste tailoring. The fusion of traditional skills with global sensibilities is making Indian design one of the most exciting in the world today.”

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Convocation 2025: Celebrating the Next Generation of Designers

The 2025 convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 312 graduates from NIFT Mumbai and 29 from NIFT Daman, marking their formal entry into the world of fashion, textiles, and design entrepreneurship.

Degrees were conferred upon students across various disciplines, including Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, Knitwear Design, Accessory Design, and Fashion Technology.

Several students received special distinctions and awards recognizing their academic and creative excellence, including:

• Extraordinary Service Award

• Student of the Year Award

• Best Academic Award

• Best Academic Performance Award

• Meritorious Student Award

• Most Innovative and Creative Design Collection Award

• Best Graduation Project Award

These awards underscored NIFT’s belief in holistic education that balances technical expertise with innovation, ethics, and social responsibility.

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Honoring Academic Excellence and Research

In a proud moment for the academic community, Minister Pabitra Margherita conferred Ph.D. degrees upon Dr. Susmita Das, Associate Professor, NIFT Mumbai, and Dr. Amisha Mehta, Associate Professor, NIFT Gandhinagar, recognizing their research contributions to the field of fashion and design studies.

The convocation also featured the presence of prominent dignitaries including Tanu Kashyap, IAS, Director General, NIFT; Khushal Jangid, Director, NIFT Mumbai; Brijesh Deore, Director, NIFT Daman; Vidhushekhar P., CAC, NIFT Daman; and Manjula Tiwari, CEO of Cover Story Clothing Ltd. and an accomplished NIFT alumna.

Their presence highlighted NIFT’s strong network of alumni leaders, industry partnerships, and academic mentors working together to uphold the institute’s global reputation.

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NIFT Mumbai: Pioneering Creative and Sustainable Education

Since its establishment, NIFT Mumbai has been at the forefront of promoting design-led innovation and sustainability in India’s fashion and textile sectors. The institute continues to align its curriculum with emerging global trends such as eco-friendly materials, digital fashion, circular economy, and textile innovation.

The new academic infrastructure will further enhance NIFT’s ability to conduct interdisciplinary research, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen collaborations with industry and international design schools.

The event reaffirmed NIFT’s mission to empower students as creative leaders capable of contributing to India’s growing reputation as a global design and textile powerhouse.

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Toward a Sustainable Fashion Future

With the inauguration of new facilities and the graduation of its latest cohort, NIFT Mumbai has entered a new era of academic expansion and creative excellence. The institute continues to bridge the gap between heritage and modernity, preparing young designers to lead India’s transformation toward a more ethical, sustainable, and globally competitive fashion ecosystem.

As the ceremony concluded, Minister Pabitra Margherita summed up the spirit of the occasion:

“India’s design future lies in our ability to innovate responsibly — to honor our traditions while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. NIFT embodies that vision.”