: Mumbai, 1^st August 2026

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai conducted its three-day Orientation Programme 2026 from 29th to 31st July 2026, warmly welcoming the incoming batch of three hundred and twenty-eight students and their parents. The programme was designed to facilitate a smooth transition into academic life by introducing students to the Institute's academic framework, campus resources, student support systems, and opportunities for holistic development.

Established in 1986, NIFT has consistently played a pioneering role in developing professional leadership for the textile, apparel, fashion, and allied sectors while serving as a knowledge partner to the Central and State Governments. The orientation reflected the Institute's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of India's rich textile and handicraft heritage.

The programme commenced with student registration, followed by the inaugural ceremony in the presence of Prof. Dr. Ajit Kumar Khare, Director, NIFT Mumbai, senior officials, faculty members, and staff. In his address, the Director welcomed the students to the NIFT fraternity and highlighted the Institute's vision, academic philosophy, and culture of innovation. Parent interaction sessions and "Know Your Department" meetings familiarized students and families with academic programmes, facilities, and career opportunities.

The second day featured two interactive sessions by Ms. Sashi Rekha Tallapragada, Life Skills Consultant. The session "Let's Talk Gender" emphasized gender sensitivity, equality, consent, and responsible community behaviour while challenging gender stereotypes and promoting an inclusive campus culture. This was followed by "Unmasking Ragging," which created awareness about anti-ragging laws, institutional policies, and preventive measures to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. Interactive discussions and role plays encouraged active student participation.

A major highlight of the day was the Alumni Interaction and Panel Discussion. The panel featured Ms. Poorva Soman (Fashion Design, 2002), Founder of Gazillion Fashion & Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., Pune; Ms. Aishita Johri (Knitwear Design, 2019), Founder of the sustainable handloom clothing brand Aishita Johri; Mr. Parth Chauhan (Bachelor of Fashion Technology, 2014), Technical Business Analyst at Ten Group, London; Mr. Dhirendra Kumar (Master of Design, 2020), Senior Product Designer – Supply Chain, Inventory and Retail Experience at Walmart; Mr. Rohit Singh (Fashion Management Studies, 2010), Head – Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) Business at Jack & Jones, Bestseller; and Ms. Surmai Jain (Fashion Communication, 2018), Founder of the luxury ready-to-wear label Polite Society.

These distinguished alumni from diverse fields shared their academic experiences, professional journeys, and insights on industry trends, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, innovation, and the evolving global fashion ecosystem. The alumni fondly reflected upon their years at NIFT Mumbai and acknowledged the Institute's significant contribution in shaping their professional careers, creative outlook, and lifelong associations. The session concluded with an engaging interaction with students and a musical performance by alumnus Mr. Parth Chauhan.

The final day, celebrated as "Gen-Z Day at Campus," focused on innovation, sustainability, technology, and socially responsible leadership. Students participated in guided campus tours, an interactive creative wellness session titled "Art Swap" conducted by NIFT alumnae and Studio Analog co-founders Ms. Arohi Devasthale and Ms. Vaishnavi R. Bhatt. The "NEXT GEN Challenges"—a series of knowledge-sharing sessions covering Indian handlooms, sustainability, consumer-centric innovation, Artificial Intelligence, digital well-being, environmental responsibility, and strengthening the NIFT Mumbai brand through a Gen-Z perspective. Here themes like Swachhata Campaign through a Gen-Z perspective, "Triple E Symbiosis" of Environment, Ethics, and Economics, "Back to Basics – A Day without Tech," were explored by students to create fruitful outcomes.

Through a carefully curated blend of academic orientation, awareness programmes, alumni engagement, experiential learning, and sustainability initiatives, NIFT Mumbai provided the incoming students with a strong foundation as they begin their academic journey at one of India's premier institutions for fashion education.

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Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor

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