By Manish Kumar
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFT) Thursday portrayed a myriad of innovative designs at their national-level design exhibition titled ‘Design Sutra’, where they experimented with infusing a modern look to traditional textile works. Students from all 15 NIFTs across the country took part in the design exhibition.
Govind Malviya who came with his work from NIFT, Bhopal said, “I have tried to experiment with Khadi and digital printing. I used Khadi as the fabric and printed my digital design through a computer on Khadi fabric. This is a unique experiment. One can hardly find such designs in the market where they can get a blend of technology and tradition. The objective behind using Khadi as a base material is to ensure that the benefit of this industry reaches out to the people involved in the process of making Khadi.”
Manini Pardhan, a 2nd year student from NIFT, Bhubaneswar, said they aimed at depicting Madhubani paintings through use of technology. “We are showcasing some handloom clothes where we have tried to create a fusion of Indian culture and modern technology. We have taken raw and silk tussar as a base and on it have tried to depict the famous Madhubani paintings of Bihar. The main aim is to project indigenous designs forms in the best possible way and also to add a modern touch to them so that it attracts people from all walks of life.”
The programme was earlier inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the presence of Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan and minister of state for textiles Santosh Kumar Gangwar.
“Handloom and textiles of Orissa are an integral part of our state’s culture. Our textile products are recognised all over the world. NIFT has in the past proved its worth in society through their work. I hope the institution will help in reinventing the handloom industry and help the poor in improving their economic condition,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at the event.
“Textiles and handlooms from Orissa need no introduction for the masses. Many designs from the state are internationally acclaimed and in great demand. However, many industries from the sector like the jute industry are not in good health. The Union government has recently amended some decisions to give the state the right to seek a textile park. I hope the state government will apply for the same to help the sector,” Dharmendra Pradhan said.
