The two-day conclave celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Textile Technology Department and featured significant discussions on innovation and sustainability in the textile industry.
The Department of Textile Technology and Fashion Technology at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) successfully hosted a two-day Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion on March 3rd and 4th, 2024. This event, held at the college’s campus, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Textile Technology Department, which has been a cornerstone of the institution since its establishment in 1995.
The primary aim of the conclave was to gather thought leaders, academic experts, industry pioneers, and policymakers to discuss ways in which academia can drive innovation, incorporate progressive technologies, and prepare students for future industry demands. The agenda featured five technical sessions, two panel discussions, and five keynote speeches, with contributions from over 30 industry professionals sharing their knowledge and insights.
A significant outcome of the conclave was the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various organizations, including the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), The Textile Association of India (TAI), Tamil Nadu Coir Business Development Corporation (TANCOIR), and the Institute for Ecology, Technology and Innovation (OETI). These agreements are intended to bolster competency development, foster industry-driven curriculum implementation, and stimulate research initiatives.
Additionally, the conclave marked the launch of the Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT), a pivotal development aimed at enhancing innovation within the discipline. Over 100 participants—including industry representatives, students, and faculty from various educational institutions—attended the event, signifying its relevance and importance.
In her welcome address, Dr. M. Ezhilarasi, Principal of KCT, outlined the department’s historical contributions to both the textile sector and national development. She highlighted the evolving nature of textiles in India’s economy, stating that the country ranks as the sixth-largest textile exporter and employs over 45 million individuals within this sector. “Textiles play a crucial role in India’s economic and cultural identity,” she stated.
Prof. A. Pavendhan, Associate Dean of the Textile Cluster, provided an overview of the department’s roadmap, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. He remarked, “The department has continuously adapted to meet the demands of the industry and the environment,” reflecting on three decades of progress in textile education.
Shri Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions, further stressed the vital role of the textile industry in India’s socio-economic fabric. He emphasized the need for educational institutions to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the textile landscape, especially concerning sustainability and technical textiles. “The future of textiles lies in innovation, technology, and sustainability,” he asserted.
The event featured a special address by Chief Guest Dr. Sundararaman K.S., Chairman-SIMA and Managing Director of Shiva Texyarn Limited. He underscored the significant shift towards technical textiles, noting that these materials are essential for various high-tech applications across sectors, including aerospace and automotive. Dr. Sundararaman illustrated the advantages of technical textiles by discussing innovations that provide enhanced functionality, stating, “Technical textiles are everywhere—from the seat belts in your car to the battery separators in electric vehicles.”
Among the other notable speakers was Shri Avinash Mishra, Chairman of ITTA and CEO of Advanced Material Solutions Koshala Profile Private Limited. He highlighted the burgeoning growth of the technical textiles sector in India, valuing it at approximately $23 billion, with a substantial portion originating from domestic consumption. “The sun has already risen on technical textiles,” he remarked, emphasizing their dynamic growth compared to conventional textiles.
The role of the government in promoting technical textiles was also a focal point of the discussions. Shri Mishra detailed the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), initiated to bolster innovation and skill development in this field. He encouraged academic institutions to engage students actively in technical textile initiatives to prepare a skilled workforce for industry demands.
Dr. K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), further called for an overhaul of textile education to keep it aligned with industry needs. He emphasized the necessity for updated curricula and hands-on training opportunities to make textile careers more appealing to a new generation.
The conclave concluded with the establishment of the Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles, anticipated to become a central hub for innovation and sustainable practices in the textile industry. The center will focus on various applications, including protective, automotive, sports, and home textiles, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals while promoting industry collaboration.
By fostering partnerships with industries, the center aims to implement industry-driven curricula and address emerging trends, including advancements in artificial intelligence within the textile sector. The vision for KC.RTT establishes it as a pioneering institution for research and development, aimed at enhancing India’s stature in the global textile arena.
Source: Noah Wire Services
