New Delhi, August 31, 2026: President of India Droupadi Murmu, Visitor of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), called upon graduating students to maintain a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to India’s roots and cultural values.
Addressing the Combined Convocation 2026 of NIFT in New Delhi on Monday, the President highlighted the growing potential of India’s fashion and textile sector to strengthen the country’s global presence. The ceremony brought together graduating students from NIFT campuses across the country and marked their transition from academic learning to professional life.
A total of 3,793 students from undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes graduated during the 2026 convocation.
President Murmu Highlights India’s Textile and Craft Heritage
President Murmu said the textile and apparel sector is not only an important part of India’s cultural heritage but also supports the livelihoods of millions of people.
She emphasised the importance of supporting traditional artisans and weavers so that younger generations can continue these professions with pride and confidence.
The President also appreciated NIFT’s initiatives such as the Craft Cluster Initiative, through which various NIFT centres work with weavers and artisans to introduce modern techniques and help connect traditional crafts with wider markets.
According to the President, India is expanding its role on the global stage with increasing confidence, and fashion technology has significant potential to enhance the country’s global footprint.
She encouraged the graduating students to take advantage of these opportunities while preserving India’s cultural identity.
“Students should maintain a global outlook while remaining firmly connected to their roots and the core values of our culture.”
She said that this balance would enable students not only to become successful professionals but also to contribute to the preservation and enrichment of India’s cultural heritage.
Textile Minister Urges Students to Dream Big
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh congratulated the graduating students and urged them to dream big and work hard to become an integral part of the journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Neelam Shami Rao, also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to focus on continuous learning and regularly upgrade their skills to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
10 Gold Medals Presented to Top Academic Performers
A major highlight of the convocation was the presentation of 10 Gold Medals to students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance across NIFT’s programmes.
The awardees were selected on the basis of their academic performance, including CGPA and semester-wise SGPA. President Murmu presented the Gold Medals to the best academic performers.
The Director General, NIFT, also administered the pledge to the graduating students and symbolically conferred degrees upon the graduating batch.
Following the central ceremony, campus-wise degree distribution ceremonies were organised, allowing graduates to formally receive their degrees with their respective academic communities.
NIFT Focuses on Fashion, Design, Technology and Innovation
Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, NIFT is a statutory institute governed by the NIFT Act, 2006.
The institute has played a significant role in developing India’s fashion education ecosystem by bringing together design, technology, craftsmanship, research, innovation and industry exposure.
NIFT’s campuses provide students with opportunities to explore contemporary ideas while remaining connected to India’s diverse craft, cultural and design traditions.
The institute currently operates across 20 professionally managed campuses, nurturing talent for the fashion, textile, design, technology, entrepreneurship and wider creative sectors.
Graduates Begin New Professional Journey
For the graduating students, the 2026 convocation marks the beginning of a new phase beyond the classroom. Their academic projects, industry exposure, collaborations and learning experiences are expected to form the foundation for their professional and creative careers.
The graduates will now join the NIFT alumni community, with members working across fashion, textiles, design, technology, entrepreneurship, communication and allied creative fields.
The Combined Convocation 2026 celebrated academic achievement while highlighting the opportunities available to a new generation of creative professionals. With global ambitions and an understanding of India’s cultural heritage, the graduates are expected to contribute to the country’s evolving fashion, design and creative economy.
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