Ministry of Textiles to Organise IIHT SUTRA 2026 in New Delhi on August 12

New Delhi, Aug 11 (KNN) The Ministry of Textiles will organise IIHT SUTRA 2026, the inaugural National Conclave of the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs), on August 12 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The conclave is being organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing among IIHTs and stakeholders from industry, academia, research institutions and the handloom sector.

Union Minister of Textiles  Giriraj Singh will be the Chief Guest, while Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles  Pabitra Margherita will be the Guest of Honour. Secretary (Textiles) Neelam Shami Rao and Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena will also attend the programme.

The theme of the conclave is “IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate • Innovate • Transform.” The programme will focus on collaboration between academia, industry, research institutions and the government, along with emerging technologies, skill development, entrepreneurship and institutional partnerships.

Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are scheduled to be exchanged with Grasim Industries Limited, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur and Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA). 

The proposed partnerships will cover areas including industry-academia collaboration, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, faculty development, internships and institutional capacity building.

The programme will also include the inauguration of an IIHT Exhibition and Theme Pavilion featuring student innovations, institutional achievements and live demonstrations. Gold Medals and Rank Certificates will be presented to meritorious IIHT students.

A film titled “Weaving India's Handloom Future” and an alumni publication, “Handloom Change Makers,” will also be launched during the conclave. The publication will highlight the achievements and success stories of distinguished IIHT alumni.

A technical session will feature a panel discussion on “Strengthening Handloom Education through Industry–Academia Collaboration: Curriculum, Skills and Future Readiness.” 

Representatives from industry, academia and other institutions will participate in discussions on curriculum, skills and institutional capabilities required for the future of the handloom sector.

The Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology provide technical education and training for the handloom sector, with activities covering skill development, research, design, quality improvement and technology dissemination.

(KNN Bureau)