The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai successfully concluded its three-day Orientation Programme 2026, welcoming 328 newly admitted students and their parents with a comprehensive introduction to academic life, campus culture, and career opportunities.
Held from July 29 to 31, the programme was designed to help students transition smoothly into one of India’s premier fashion education institutions by familiarising them with academic systems, student support services, campus resources, and opportunities for holistic development.
Established in 1986, NIFT has been instrumental in developing professional talent for the textile, apparel, fashion, and allied industries while serving as a knowledge partner to both Central and State Governments. The orientation programme reflected the institute’s continued focus on academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of India’s rich textile and handicraft heritage.
The inaugural session was attended by Prof. Dr. Ajit Kumar Khare, Director, NIFT Mumbai, along with senior officials, faculty members, and staff. Addressing the incoming students, Prof. Khare highlighted the institute’s vision, academic philosophy, innovation-driven learning environment, and commitment to nurturing future industry leaders. Parent interaction sessions and departmental introductions further familiarised students and families with academic programmes, facilities, and career pathways.
The second day featured interactive sessions by Ms. Sashi Rekha Tallapragada, Life Skills Consultant, focusing on creating an inclusive and respectful campus environment. Her sessions, “Let’s Talk Gender” and “Unmasking Ragging,” addressed gender sensitivity, equality, consent, anti-ragging policies, and responsible community behaviour through engaging discussions and role-play activities.
A major highlight of the programme was the Alumni Interaction and Panel Discussion, where accomplished graduates shared their professional journeys and industry insights. The panel included Poorva Soman, Founder of Gazillion Fashion & Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd.; Aishita Johri, Founder of sustainable fashion label Aishita Johri; Parth Chauhan, Technical Business Analyst at Ten Group, London; Dhirendra Kumar, Senior Product Designer at Walmart; Rohit Singh, Head of Exclusive Brand Outlet Business at Jack & Jones, Bestseller; and Surmai Jain, Founder of luxury fashion label Polite Society.
The alumni discussed entrepreneurship, sustainability, artificial intelligence, innovation, and evolving opportunities in the global fashion industry while encouraging students to embrace creativity and continuous learning. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A followed by a musical performance by alumnus Parth Chauhan.
The final day, celebrated as “Gen-Z Day at Campus,” focused on innovation, sustainability, technology, and responsible leadership. Students participated in guided campus tours, a creative wellness workshop titled “Art Swap” conducted by NIFT alumnae and Studio Analog co-founders Arohi Devasthale and Vaishnavi R. Bhatt, along with the “NEXT GEN Challenges” series.
The knowledge-sharing sessions explored themes including Indian handlooms, sustainability, consumer-centric innovation, artificial intelligence, digital well-being, environmental responsibility, and strengthening the NIFT Mumbai brand through a Gen-Z perspective. Discussions also covered initiatives such as the Swachhata Campaign, the Triple E Symbiosis of Environment, Ethics and Economics, and “Back to Basics – A Day without Tech.”
Through academic orientation, awareness programmes, alumni engagement, experiential learning, and sustainability-focused activities, NIFT Mumbai provided students with a strong foundation to begin their educational journey while preparing them to become future leaders in the fashion and textile industry.
