The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organised IIHT SUTRA 2026, the inaugural national conclave of the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs), at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry representatives, researchers, alumni and students to discuss the future of handloom education and its contribution to the growth of India’s handloom sector.
Held under the theme “IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform.”, the conclave focused on transforming IIHTs into centres of excellence for technical education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.
Giriraj Singh Highlights Role of Technology in Handloom Sector
Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the conclave in the presence of Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. Beena M., and other senior representatives from government, industry, academia and the handloom community.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said India’s handloom tradition represents the country’s rich cultural heritage while providing livelihoods, particularly for women, and contributing to exports and sustainable economic development. He stressed that preserving traditional weaving practices must be complemented by technological advancement, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Minister underlined the importance of IIHTs in creating technically skilled professionals who can contribute to productivity improvement, modern design, technology adoption and the competitiveness of the handloom industry.
He noted that six Central IIHTs and five State IIHTs have produced skilled professionals over the past seven decades. Their alumni are now contributing to industry, entrepreneurship, exports, research and public institutions. Recent initiatives, including expansion of B.Tech programmes, upgraded laboratories, improved infrastructure, research activities, student support and international training, have further strengthened the institutions.
Focus on Modernising Handloom Education
Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao called for continuous modernisation of handloom education through updated curricula, stronger industry linkages, applied research and innovation-oriented learning. She emphasised that IIHT graduates should be equipped not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship, leadership and research.
Dr. Beena M., Development Commissioner (Handlooms), described IIHT SUTRA as a long-term initiative designed to create a collaborative national platform for the institutes. The initiative aims to deepen cooperation among government, industry, academia, research organisations and alumni while making IIHTs more future-ready.
Three Strategic MoUs Signed
A key highlight of the conclave was the exchange of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding aimed at expanding institutional collaboration.
An MoU with Grasim Industries Limited will support curriculum enhancement, internships, industry exposure and skill development. The partnership with the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) will focus on collaborative research, testing, innovation, technical assistance and capacity building.
Meanwhile, the partnership with IIM Sambalpur will promote leadership development, entrepreneurship, innovation, faculty development and institutional strengthening.
Students and Alumni Recognised
Meritorious IIHT students were felicitated with Gold Medals and Rank Certificates for their academic achievements. The Ministry also released “Handloom Change Makers”, a publication highlighting the contributions of distinguished IIHT alumni in industry, entrepreneurship, exports, research and public service.
The Union Minister also launched the Ministry’s film “Weaving India’s Handloom Future”, showcasing the journey and achievements of IIHTs and their role in developing skilled professionals for the handloom sector.
An exhibition at the conclave featured student innovations, research projects, live demonstrations, institutional achievements and emerging technologies. A technical session later examined industry-academia collaboration in handloom education, with discussions covering curriculum reform, skill development, entrepreneurship, applied research and emerging technologies.
IIHT SUTRA 2026 marks an important step towards building stronger technical institutions for India’s handloom sector, with greater emphasis on innovation, research, industry engagement and academic excellence.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
