NIFT Srinagar holds 5th Convocation

Srinagar, Nov 13: For Riya, a Fashion and Designing student from Pune, her perception of Kashmir changed completely after she stayed in Valley for four years to pursue her career in Fashion and Designing at National Institute Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar.

While attending the 5th Convocation of NIFT Srinagar, Riya recalls how scared, like her parents, she was on her first day at the campus while now she is leaving the institute with lifetime memories.

NIFT Srinagar on Wednesday held the Convocation of class 2024. The J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at the occasion who felicitated the outgoing students of the institute.

"I remember my first day when a welcome party was organised for our batch. Me and my parents were scared as I decided to pursue my career in Fashion and Designing in a Politically Conflict Area (Kashmir) but once I settled here, the journey turned out to be an amazing experience," says Riya, an outgoing student of Fashion and Designing.

As the days passed once she settled in the valley, particularly at the NIFT Srinagar campus, she decided to stay outside in rented accommodation and did not opt for the hostel facility.

"We were able to travel and explore various crafts. The journey here cannot be explained in words. It is unbeatable," Riya said. She said that apart from any other NIFT campus, Riya ranks NIFT Srinagar as one of the best campuses. "I will say that on the basis of my experience, NIFT Srinagar campus is best among all," she said.

Riya said that her perception (negative) about the situation in Kashmir completely changed after she spent her four years at NIFT Srinagar.

"Whatever we listen in media, I don't think it is half of it here because I personally stayed outside and did not opt for a hostel facility. There was not a single day when we were not gifted fruits or invited by locals here to their homes. The hospitality of people here is amazing," she said.

About her experience at NIFT Srinagar which enrolls students across India in four different courses of Fashion designing and Fashion Technology, Riya said students here learn about different cultures.

Like Riya, other students from outside J&K shared the same positive experiences about Kashmir.

"Earlier, people would go to Delhi and other States to gain exposure but here at NIFT people from Maharashtra, Delhi and other states come to gain exposure. Kashmir is rich in crafts, I want local students to join this institute as it gives us a lot of exposure," said Hoorain Jeelani.

Meanwhile, 64 students graduated from the institute. The students were enrolled in Fashion Designing, Fashion Technology, Fashion Communication and Fashion Management.

"The students were from all over India including three students from Jammu and Kashmir. These students exchanged a lot of good memories over the last four years and there was a cultural exchange between the students as well," Director NIFT Srinagar, Prof Monika Gupta told Greater Kashmir.

Earlier briefing about the Campus during her address at the Convocation, Prof Gupta said that the growth of NIFT Srinagar was evident as the enrollment increased from 34 students in 2016 to 424 in 2024.

"The graduating batch showcases a diversity of career paths, reflecting the practical and entrepreneurial skills cultivated at NIFT Srinagar," she said.

She said that out of 64 outgoing students, 24 secured campus placements or pre-placement offers (PPO) while 37 will start their own enterprise, and three have opted for higher studies.

"NIFT Srinagar has undertaken impactful projects, in packaging design, fashion films, craft village design, while also contributing expertise, in documenting and filing for GIs for traditional crafts," she said.

She said the campus reached out to over 100 artisans in Leh and Kargil and also collaborated with IIM Jammu, local ITI’s and NCW for up-skilling programs.

"Through NIFT’s craft cluster initiatives students engage directly with traditional artisans, strengthening meaningful connections with local communities and promoting cultural exchange," she said.