The India International Textile Machinery Exhibitions Society (India ITME Society) marked a major milestone for India’s textile engineering ecosystem with the successful hosting of the 3rd edition of the India ITME Technical Awards 2025 in Mumbai on 22 December 2025.
Led by Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman and Steering Committee Member of India ITME Society, the high-profile event brought together senior industry leaders, policymakers, technologists and academicians, highlighting the sector’s growing emphasis on innovation, skills development and advanced manufacturing. The ceremony was graced by Roop Rashi Mahapatra, IA & AS, Chief Executive Officer, Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of India, underscoring strong institutional support for the textile engineering sector.
Addressing the gathering, Ketan Sanghvi noted that the quality and diversity of applications received for the awards reflected the promising future of India’s textile engineering industry. He highlighted the emergence of young innovators with entrepreneurial mindsets and fresh perspectives, reaffirming India ITME Society’s commitment to providing a platform that enables innovative ideas to translate into real-world solutions.
Roop Rashi Mahapatra emphasised that khadi and traditional industries should be viewed as engines of economic growth rather than through a philanthropic lens. She stated that integrating heritage crafts with modern technology and contemporary design can create sustainable livelihoods, stronger enterprises and inclusive growth across the value chain.
Industry leaders also shared their perspectives on the evolving textile landscape. Neeraj Jain, Joint Managing Director, Vardhman Textiles, highlighted the need for sharper technical insights amid rapid changes in cotton sourcing, fabric innovation and global demand. Edward Menezes, Executive Chairman, Rossari Biotech Limited, stressed the importance of design-led thinking, consistency and long-term vision in building strong and sustainable businesses.
Adding a technology-forward perspective, Swati Pandey, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, Maharashtra Airport Development Company, stated that innovation and new ways of thinking are critical for progress, noting that artificial intelligence is increasingly acting as a strategic partner in enabling faster and smarter industrial decision-making.
Supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, and powered by State Bank of India (SBI), the India ITME Technical Awards 2025 recognised individuals, organisations and students for outstanding contributions to textile engineering, sustainability, innovation and technical excellence. The awards aim to promote continuous improvement, adoption of advanced technologies and knowledge sharing across the textile value chain.
The award evaluation process was guided by an esteemed jury comprising leading technocrats, industry veterans and academic experts from across India, ensuring a rigorous and credible selection process.
The evening concluded with interactive networking sessions, reinforcing India ITME Society’s role as a key platform for collaboration, dialogue and progress within India’s textile engineering ecosystem.
