New IIHT Fulia Campus Inaugurated
The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) Fulia has officially opened its new permanent campus, marking a significant milestone in the field of textile education. Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the campus, which spans 5.38 acres and was built at a cost of Rs. 75.95 crores. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the educational needs of students from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim. With modern infrastructure, including smart classrooms, a digital library, and well-equipped testing laboratories, the new campus aims to be a center of excellence in handloom and textile technology.
A Commitment to Sustainable Education
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Singh emphasized the importance of education in empowering the next generation of handloom weavers. He announced an increase in the first-year intake from 33 to 66 students, specifically targeting children of handloom weavers. This initiative aims to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the textile industry. The minister stated that IIHT Fulia is not just a building; it is a platform for students to fulfill their dreams and contribute to the sustainability of the handloom craft.
The new campus will play a vital role in enhancing the skill set of students, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern textile market. By integrating traditional handloom techniques with contemporary design inputs from institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Kolkata, IIHT Fulia aims to create a unique educational experience that honors the rich heritage of handloom weaving in West Bengal.
Honoring Excellence in Textile Education
The inauguration ceremony also featured the awarding of medals and merit rank certificates to the top 10 rank holders among all IIHTs in India. This recognition highlights the commitment of the institute to academic excellence and encourages students to strive for success. The minister also launched a unified website for all six Central IIHTs, making it easier for students and stakeholders to access information and resources.
Additionally, a book titled “Computer-aided Figured Graph Designing for Jacquard Weaving” was released during the event. This publication aims to provide valuable insights and knowledge to students and professionals in the field, further enhancing the educational offerings of IIHT Fulia.
A Vision for the Future of Textiles
In his address, Minister Singh outlined the government’s vision for the textile sector, aiming for a market size of $300 billion by 2030. He emphasized the potential for creating six million jobs within the textile value chain. The minister reiterated that IIHT Fulia will significantly contribute to this vision by utilizing flax and linen as raw materials, thereby enhancing the value chain of the textile industry.
The legacy of handloom weaving in West Bengal is rich and storied. Minister Singh noted that the demand for handloom products once surpassed that of cloth produced in Manchester before the industrial revolution. He expressed confidence that with the right education and skills, the handloom sector can achieve global recognition and sustainability. The confluence of tradition, simplicity, and technology at IIHT Fulia represents a significant step toward achieving an ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including local MLAs and officials from the Ministry of Textiles, underscoring the importance of this initiative for the region and the country as a whole.
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