With the objective to meet, connect, share experiences & achievements, re-live the splendid moments of togetherness and explore opportunities for collaboration and networking, the third combined ‘Alumni Meet’ for five institutes namely, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was held at FDDI, Kolkata campus on 24th November 2023.
The event was a part of the convergence initiative launched by the Hon'ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles (HCIM, CA, F&PD&T), Government of India (GoI), Mr. Piyush Goyal to foster an industry-academia interface and build a global professional network through engagement with the alumni of the five eminent institutes that work under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The event was attended by eminent dignitaries from the five institutes, such as Prof. Bidhan Das, Deputy Director of IIP, Kolkata, Prof. Dr. Nilay Kr Pramanik – Deputy Director, IIP-Kolkata, Dr. K. Rangarajan, Head of IIFT, Kolkata Centre, Prof. Dr. Niti Chatnani, Professor at IIFT, Delhi, Mr. Brijesh Deore, Director of NIFT, Kolkata, Mr. Rajesh Chatterjee Deputy Director (Head of Office) Weavers Service Centre and Mr. Sunil Kumar Ullattuthodiyil, Executive Director (ED), FDDI Kolkata.
Mr. Sunil Kumar Ullattuthodiyil, Executive Director, FDDI-Kolkata campus in his ‘Welcome Address’, said that, “The event provided a fillip to strengthen the bond between the alumni and the five institutes and to create a platform for collaboration and innovation in the fields of textiles and commerce & industry.”
The meet was attended by almost 100 attendees of the five institutes along with dignitaries during which presentation on the idea of convergence by Prof. Jonalee Bajpai, Professor, NIFT - Bangalore, Head of Industry & Alumni Affairs Pan India was made. An open house discussion on ‘Importance of Convergence among the 5 Institutes’ was also organized discussions were held on enhancing their contribution to their alma mater.
The event featured cultural performances, interactive sessions and networking opportunities for the alumni. The alumni also participated in various cultural activities.
