FDDI Convocation: President Highlights Footwear Sector’s Global Potential; Urges Graduates to Drive Innovation and Self-Reliance

Speaking to the graduating class, the President praised India’s accelerating role as a self-reliant and globally competitive economy.

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, attended and addressed the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in New Delhi on December 1, 2025. The event gathered graduating students, industry leaders, faculty members, and representatives from international institutions, marking an important milestone for the institute and the nation’s growing footwear industry.

Speaking to the graduating class, the President praised India’s accelerating role as a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. She noted that India’s transformation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has opened new doors for domestic manufacturing and export-led growth. She highlighted that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has classified the footwear industry as a ‘Champion Sector’, recognizing its high potential for innovation, employment generation, and export expansion.

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India’s Position in the Global Footwear Market

President Murmu shared key economic insights, noting that India stands as the second-largest producer and consumer of footwear worldwide.

• FY 2024–25 Footwear Trade Data:

  • Exports: Over $2.5 billion USD

  • Imports: Approximately $680 million USD

India’s export volume far exceeds its imports, placing the country among the world’s key footwear exporters. She emphasized that further scaling up production, design excellence, and sustainability will unlock greater export opportunities—especially for global brands seeking high-quality, affordable, and ethical supply chains.

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🤝 International Collaboration and Sustainability Focus

A major moment in the ceremony was the announcement of an MoU between FDDI and the University of Northampton (UK). The President described the partnership as a meaningful extension of cooperation under the India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.

The agreement prioritizes:

• Research and curriculum development

• Sustainable materials

• Eco-friendly manufacturing

• Circular economy principles

President Murmu welcomed this development, stating that it reflects the shared commitment of both nations toward green innovation, environmental responsibility, and skills exchange.

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🎓 Message to Graduates: “Be Innovators, Employers, and Global Ambassadors”

Addressing the graduating batch, the President reminded them that footwear design is not just an aesthetic field—it is a multidisciplinary profession with implications for health, ergonomics, fashion, industry, and national pride.

She urged students to:

✔ Improve public health and comfort through ergonomic designs ✔ Contribute to inclusive development by creating employment ✔ Support India’s exports and global branding ✔ Lead innovation using sustainable materials ✔ Uphold high standards to represent India internationally ✔ Strengthen the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through entrepreneurship

She encouraged them to approach their careers with a sense of responsibility and confidence, adding:

“Your work has the potential not only to shape global markets, but also to empower communities and strengthen the nation.”

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🌟 The Event at a Glance

• Hundreds of students received degrees and diplomas across footwear technology, design, retail, and production management.

• Industry representatives interacted with students to encourage placements, internships, and start-up collaborations.

• FDDI reaffirmed its role as a global centre for innovation, sustainability, and skill development in the leather and non-leather footwear ecosystem.