Hon'ble Commerce Secretary, Mr. GK Pillai, IAS & Mr. Anil Mukim, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce visits FDDI

— Cafeteria, Auditorium, Visual Merchandizing Lab & Mojari Display Centre inaugurated at FDDI

To the point raised by Mr. Pillai upon the upgradation of technical know-how of the laboratory staff and their research work, the Managing Director apprised that we are able to provide training to the laboratory staff at the national level but at the international level it becomes difficult due to the financial constraints.

The Managing Director also apprised that with dedicated team existing in the institute, the institute has attained new heights. The intake of students has increased from 150 to 800 and it is planned to enhance to 1000 persons. With a good vision, the institute has ambitious plans for expansion all over the country, which will not only help in brand building but also will fulfill the needs of skilled manpower which will benefit the footwear and leather industry in the country.

Mr. Lakhara also briefed that FDDI has started a weekly newsletter to keep the industry updated with the latest developments in the area of domestic & international fashion, technology, merchandising & marketing & is circulated to around 10,000 professionals related to the leather, footwear & allied industries, retail houses, management consultants, placement agencies & also to the handicraft sector.

Mr. Lakhara expressed that FDDI has wings but are unable to fly due to various constraints among which the problems of infrastructure, hostel facility, computer lab and library needs to be resolved immediately.

Mr. Shashi Bhushan Shukla, IRS, Secretary, FDDI briefed that FDDI provided training to workers and artisan involved in the making of footwear in SME's and village clusters & trained artisans/ SME from Saharanpur, Jaipur, Alwar, Patiala, Abohar, Fazialka, Muktsar & Malot.

The objective of the training was to upgrade the skill of the artisans engaged in the leather sector by `spreading & sustaining a technology culture in the leather sector'. The scope of the training program has been improvement in quality and the increase in productivity with use of modern techniques, tool standardization, designs and methods.

He said that, relevant information in the form of booklet, use of machineries, Swayam Siddha Manuals (the art of self learning) of FDDI, & tool kit were provided during the training program to the trainees.

The Managing Director apprised that Mojari is a well-established brand not only in India but abroad also & its trademark has been registered. Mojari has been able to carve a niche for itself in the international market especially in the Europe, USA & Middle East. He further said that Mojari is sold out through leading retail outlets also such as Monika's Gust, Nagpur, Pantaloon Retail (India), Mumbai etc.

This was followed by his interaction with the members of the faculty where certain issues were raised regarding infrastructure problems, computer lab and library with the increase of students from 150 to 800.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Rajeev Lakhara said that “Mr. GK Pillai is a well known person who has been instrumental in setting up of a number of SEZ all over the country whose vision has been touted across the developing world as one of the chief instruments through which a country can achieve rapid industrialization through exports.”

Mr. Lakhara also said “FDDI is the fastest growing institute in the country during the last two & half years.”

Mr. Lakhara said that “FDDI has shown exceptional growth and are able to achieve the phenomenal growth only with the tremendous support extended by the Department of Commerce. The Managing Director thanked the Commerce Secretary for the invariable support provided by the Ministry of Commerce.”

He said that the auditorium of FDDI, which is well equipped & at par with the best management institutes in the world is the result of the contribution of the Department of Commerce.

Mr. Shashi Bhushan Shukla, IRS, Secretary, FDDI gave the 'Vote of Thanks' to Mr. GK Pillai, IAS Secretary, Commerce & Mr. Anil Mukim, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce for very kindly accepting the invitation, for gracing the occasion, for encouraging the FDDI'ns & for giving away some of their valuable time from their busy schedule.

In his address he said that, “It is my bounden duty to thank our Managing Director of FDDI, 'Mr. Rajeev Lakhara a man of vision' under whose able & dynamic leadership we are constantly moving ahead towards new horizons.”

He expressed his gratitude for the continuous support bestowed by the Ministry to this institute. He also expressed that FDDI is striving hard to overcome the bottlenecks and cope up with the needs of leather & footwear industry in the country.

Mr. Shukla also thanked each and every committed staff member & dynamic students of FDDI for their fullest contribution.

Mr. Pillai was delighted by the enthusiasm displayed by the students on various platforms during the day. Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Pillai said, “Before coming to FDDI I had heard much hype about FDDI, but after visiting was able to see the real growth, which is really remarkable.”

He assured that, “In one year the problem of infrastructure, hostel facility, computer lab and library will be resolved.”

He further said, “I am confident that after the successful completion of their course, the students are going to be the trendsetter in the fashion world.” He also motivated them to come out in flying colors in their professional endeavors.

The Commerce Secretary appreciated the success achieved under the able guidance and leadership of the Managing Director during the last two & half years. He also expressed that visiting this institute; he was able to visualize the actual progress and the activities undertaken by the institute. He complemented the zeal and enthusiasm and team spirit of the institute. He congratulated all the faculty and students for attaining such growth with optimum utilization of resources. The Commerce Secretary assured fullest support from the Ministry to FDDI.

The appreciation received at the end gave a big moral boost to faculties, staff members & students to keep up their hard work and commendable performance who were present on this occasion.