Srinagar, Aug 02:
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Alumni and Industry Advisory Board (AIAB) on Friday held a review meeting at NIFT Srinagar. During the meeting, the advisory board took an overview of academic and research activities of NIFT Srinagar wherein various strategies were discussed for enhancing the engagements with the Alumni and Industry.
The NIFT AIAB comprises of Director NIFT Srinagar, Campus Academic Coordinator, Regional Industry Coordinator NIFT Srinagar, Dr Yasir Ahmad Mir, Deepak Sharma, Mehboob Iqbal Shah Founder Artisane and Sanduq, Syed Mujtaba Qadri, Director Yarnz Exports Pvt Ltd, Nighat Bashir Senior Designer at Caratlane, Aastha Deshpande, Deputy Manager at Tira Beauty, Shahira Ashraf, Founder and Designer Label Dilara as its members.
“The AIAB will increase the breadth and depth of alumni engagement year after year, create awareness and advocate for fellow alumni the concept of giving back to their alma mater,” the handout reads. The Board also discussed the role of NIFT AIAB in assisting the institute in getting live projects, classroom projects besides helping the institute to devise strategies that can best support its Alumni Groups.
Director NIFT, Dr Javid A Wani elaborated on various initiatives taken by the NIFT Srinagar to provide experiential learning environment to its students at Campus. He also highlighted that student Clubs like Cultural Club, Sports Club, Environmental Club are creating a buzz in Campus which is enhancing the holistic development of the students.
Mr Mehboob Iqbal Shah Founder Artisane and Sanduq offered to design live classroom projects based on Kashmiri crafts so that students of NIFT get a first-hand exposure of the intricate designs and motifs of Kashmir. He also offered to partner with NIFT Srinagar on setting up of R&D Centre for promoting and introducing new designs in Pashmina based products.
The Board also held a threadbare discussion on NIFT Curriculum with regards to relevance to the industry. In the meeting it was discussed that NIFT being a pioneering institute and leader in the sphere of fashion has the ability to integrate knowledge, traditional arts, academic freedom, innovations in design and technology. Considering the participation of NIFT Alumni and Industry representatives on the NAIAB, comments and observations were sought from the board members with regard to relevance and gaps in the NIFT curriculum.
The Board was apprised that NIFT Srinagar has state-of-the-art facilities while laboratories are well equipped particularly in FD and FC. Efforts are underway to set-up the new Labs like Textile Testing Lab, Surface Design lab, Jewelry Workshop, Leather Design Lab etc. These labs are expected to provide major boost to the academic transactions at the Campus.
The Board held deliberations on internship and campus placements of NIFT pass out students wherein it was stated that students undertake internships with renowned companies such as Tarun Tahiliani, Trident, Myntra and Sahil Kochhar etc and have successfully secured placements in esteemed organizations including Nykaa, Reliance Brands Limited, Raw Mango Pvt. Ltd, IBM,Ramtex Parmeshwari Silk Mills besides other companies as well.
The meeting also discussed involvement of industry experts and NIFT alumni in teaching & research activities.
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