NIFT International Conference 2026 Highlights Inclusive Design Innovations
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) wrapped up an impactful second day of its International Conference 2026 on “Design for Inclusive Futures” at its Mumbai campus on January 23, 2026. The conference aimed to explore vital themes such as equity, accessibility, usability, and inclusive innovation through an engaging lineup of keynote speeches, technical sessions, and a dynamic panel discussion.
Craft Demonstrations Showcase India’s Heritage
As part of the two-day event, a Craft Demonstration-cum-Awareness Programme was held, organized in collaboration with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The program featured live demonstrations by master artisans representing various craft clusters from across India. This initiative highlighted the country’s vast craft heritage, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable practices, offering a platform for artisans, designers, scholars, and students to interact meaningfully.
Artisans Celebrating Indigenous Craftsmanship
The programme saw participation from 32 artisans, including master weavers and craftsmen skilled in traditional techniques such as Gond painting, Paithani sari weaving, Ikat textiles, Maheshwar textiles, appliqué, and Kutch Bandhani. Their live demonstrations emphasized the significance of indigenous craftsmanship and cultural continuity, playing an important role in shaping a future that embraces inclusive and sustainable design principles.
Insights from Keynote Speakers
Opening the day’s proceedings, Shri Jalaj Hora, CEO of Synthegrate and Global Chair at Manchester Metropolitan University, delivered a keynote address focusing on the importance of integrating artificial intelligence in the fashion industry to enhance human creativity. Following him, Shri Arman Ali, Executive Director of the NCPEDP, spoke on the essence of universal design and the social and economic impacts of excluding people with disabilities from digital and financial platforms.
Calls for Inclusive Design Education
In a powerful closing address, Prof. (Dr.) Noopur Anand, Dean of NIFT, highlighted the crucial need to incorporate accessibility into core design principles. She emphasized viewing disability as a chance for innovation that is sensory-inclusive and age-friendly, advocating for dignity in design and ethical responsibility in fostering human-centric education.
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