Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday inaugurated IIHT SUTRA 2026, the first national conclave of India’s Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs), in a bid to strengthen technical education, research, innovation and industry collaboration in the handloom sector.
The conclave was organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. It brought together policymakers, academics, industry representatives, research institutions, alumni and students to discuss the future of handloom education.
Held under the theme, “IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform,” the event focused on developing IIHTs as centres of excellence in technical education, research, entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said the handloom sector was an important part of India’s cultural heritage and played a significant role in supporting livelihoods, empowering women, promoting exports and advancing sustainable economic development.
He stressed that traditional handloom practices must be preserved alongside technological advancement, innovation, entrepreneurship and research. The Minister also underlined the role of IIHTs in producing skilled professionals capable of contributing to productivity enhancement, design innovation, technology upgrades and the global competitiveness of India’s handloom industry.
Six Central, Five State IIHTs
Singh said India’s six Central IIHTs and five State IIHTs had produced generations of skilled professionals over the past seven decades. Their alumni, he noted, have contributed to industry, entrepreneurship, exports, research and public institutions.
He also highlighted recent efforts to expand B.Tech programmes, modernise laboratories and infrastructure, strengthen research, improve student support and provide international training opportunities.
Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao called for continuous modernisation of handloom education through updated curricula and stronger industry partnerships. She said IIHTs should prepare students not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship, leadership and research.
Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Beena M said IIHT SUTRA was conceived as a long-term institutional initiative to create a collaborative national platform for the institutes. The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among the government, industry, academia, research institutions and alumni.
Three MoUs Signed
Three strategic Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the conclave:
– Grasim Industries Limited: Curriculum enrichment, internships, industry exposure, skill development and other collaborative initiatives.
– Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA): Collaborative research, testing, innovation, technical support and capacity building.
– IIM Sambalpur: Leadership development, entrepreneurship, innovation, faculty development and institutional capacity building.
The partnerships are expected to provide IIHT students with greater exposure to industry requirements, applied research and management practices.
Students, Alumni Honoured
Meritorious IIHT students were awarded Gold Medals and Rank Certificates for their academic performance. The Ministry also released “Handloom Change Makers,” a publication documenting the contributions of distinguished IIHT alumni in industry, entrepreneurship, exports, research and public service.
Singh launched the Ministry’s film “Weaving India’s Handloom Future,” which showcases the evolution of IIHTs and their contribution to developing skilled professionals for the handloom sector.
An exhibition at the conclave featured student innovations, institutional achievements, research initiatives, live demonstrations and emerging technologies adopted by the institutes.
A panel discussion on “Strengthening Handloom Education through Industry-Academia Collaboration: Curriculum, Skills and Future Readiness” examined curriculum reforms, applied research, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and skill development.
The Ministry said IIHT SUTRA 2026 marked a significant step towards strengthening handloom education through strategic partnerships, research and innovation, while preparing future-ready professionals for the changing needs of India’s handloom industry.
