NIFT
The establishment of National Institute of Fashion Technology at the apex of human resources development for the textile and garment and allied sector came at a time in 1986/87 when the word 'fashion' or 'fashion' as a system of education was completely unknown to the country. The vision of the pioneers in government and industry, coupled with experience drawn from various institutes in the world through the UNDP assistance in the first decade of NlFT's existence helped to establish a hitherto unknown area of fashion education in the country.
Fashion education in India, got an impetus and acquired the present form with the establishment of NIFT. NIFT was established at a time when the Indian textile and apparel industry was at the stage of takeoff. For an industry largely till then rooted in the domestic soil, the institutional-wings in the form of NIFT was not only an opportunity for meeting its HRD needs, but a solid foundation on which the industry could profitably transform itself to meet the international challenges of the next millennium. The future of NIFT and the future of the apparel industry seem to be inextricably interlinked. As the concept of mutual sine qua non governs their thinking, strategies and operations, a solemn duty and responsibility has devolved upon NIFT to provide the best HRD materials for the industry covering an aspects of design, technology and marketing. Important factors like materials for teaching and training, availability of infrastructure in the form of buildings and other facilities, capable, committed and talented faculty and above all highly enthusiastic and willing-to-learn student community - constitute the backbone of NIFT.
It is against this background and perspective that NIFT Looks at the future which is going to throw up issues of national and international concern in the following areas:
- To project fashion industry education as a tool for blending of art science and technology and make it serve the needs of not only the elitist groups but also the wide cross sections of the global population.
- Patenting of designs and understanding of the IPR and commercial problems involved.
- Integration of IT with technology education and manufacturing activities.
- Dovetailing the domestic markets with the international markets to achieve levels of excellence production and consumer satisfaction.
- Integrated HRD strategy which will cover human materials engaged at all levels of production and marketing.
NIFT has strived hard to harness the core areas from respective disciplines for the benefit of Fashion industry as a whole In order to develop such an approach, in the case of design education, NIFT stresses four core areas:
- Development of design and creative expression.
- Knowledge of technologies involved with textiles, leather, Knitting technology, garment manufacturing machinery, IT etc.
- Commercial, managerial and marketing aspects.
- Knowledge of traditional Indian crafts and techniques.
In the case of technology, NIFT has developed an understanding of the appropriate technology, while looking at needs for improving shop-floor systems and practices. Most importantly the technology education revolves around the need for an industrial culture. Here again the four aspects in focus are:
- Developing technological skills and a scientific way of thinking. Knowledge of machinery and processes.
- Commercial and managerial aspects.
- Human resource management and practices.
In the case of management area, especially marketing and merchandising, a unique approach has been developed. The aspects which are focused in this education process include:
- Developing leadership skills.
- Imparting core product knowledge.
- Enhancing creative sensitiveness.
- Problem-solving through case studies and presentations.
You can find more information at www.niftindia.com
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