It was a bitter-sweet occasion for students of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). On one hand, they were excited at graduating in their courses but on the other they were sad to be leaving the institute that had become their second home over the last few years.
NIFT, that has a branch in LA Block, held its convocation ceremony at EZCC with students graduating with Bachelors and Masters degrees and present on the occasion were governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and Union minister of textiles Smriti Irani.
“Today is a day of celebration not just for students but also their parents. It isn't easy for a child to go up to their parents and say that that he wishes to be — not an engineer or management graduate but - a part of the fashion industry. The journey of the students graduating today would not have been possible without their parents' support,” said Irani.
She reminded the graduates that the day wasn't the end but the beginning of whatever they want in to achieve in their lives. “When one talks of this industry people imagine glitz and glamour. But we must recognise that it is also one of the oldest segments of the Indian economy and that we are part of a historical journey in a democracy born out of a thread called khadi. We must take this legacy forward.”
Irani and Tripathi handed out the best academic performance awards to students and graduation certificates to the departmental heads, who would later hand it out to students. A total of 236 students received certificates for seven undergraduate and one post-graduate programmes.
Sanjoy Basak, a student of textile design, won the best academic award. “I’m excited about the award and it was even more special me, being a textile student, receiving it from the textile minister,” said Sanjoy. “Her speech was very motivating.”
Students were excited and nostalgic in equal measure. “Nift has been our second home for the past two years. In fact, we spent more time here than at home. We learnt so much, worked with artisans, gave them business models...,” said Trisha Banerjee, a graduate of master of fashion management. “But while we are feeling emotional about leaving our campus behind we are also excited to venture out in this industry.”
Nift director Col (retd) Subroto Biswas said they tried to provide students with exposure to all craft sectors so they could gather theoretical and practical knowledge about the field. “We are constantly upgrading ourselves,” he said. “This year there has been 80 per cent placement of students who have been hired by around 45 companies.”
