A Milestone for Fashion Education in Northeast India
Shillong, Meghalaya — September 6, 2025:
The NIFT Shillong 13th convocation marked a proud moment for India’s fashion education landscape as 145 students received their degrees, celebrating years of hard work, creativity, and innovation. The event highlighted not just academic achievement, but also the growing influence of Northeast India in the country’s vibrant fashion ecosystem.
Held at the institute’s picturesque campus, the convocation attracted dignitaries from the Ministry of Textiles, education leaders, and prominent alumni. As fashion education continues to evolve, NIFT Shillong remains a hub for nurturing talent rooted in local tradition yet equipped for global impact.
Celebrating 145 Graduates: Future Leaders in Design
Academic Excellence and Creative Vision
Students from various disciplines including Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, and Accessory Design received degrees during the convocation ceremony. The event recognized both academic distinction and social engagement.
The Chief Guest, Shri Rajeev Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, praised the graduates for their resilience and creativity in adapting to changing trends in sustainable and digital fashion.
“NIFT Shillong stands as a symbol of how fashion education can blend regional culture with global relevance,” Bansal said in his address.
NIFT Shillong’s Growing Legacy
Strengthening Design Education in the Northeast
Established in 2008, NIFT Shillong has grown rapidly, producing hundreds of skilled graduates who have gone on to shape India’s fashion, textile, and handloom sectors. The institute’s focus on indigenous crafts, sustainability, and innovation makes it unique among NIFT’s 18 national campuses.
This year’s convocation reiterates the institute’s role in empowering youth from the region and across the country.
Campus Highlights
- Programs Offered: B.Des (Fashion Design, Textile Design), MFM, and more
- Student Diversity: Representation from all Northeastern states
- Industry Linkages: Collaborations with local artisans, NGOs, and global brands
- Sustainability Focus: Bamboo textiles, natural dyes, and circular design
Showcasing Regional Identity Through Fashion
Embracing Culture in Curriculum
One of the defining features of NIFT Shillong is its curriculum that integrates tribal textiles, local craftsmanship, and sustainable fashion practices. Students often engage with rural artisans and work on field projects involving Eri silk, handloom weaving, and eco-friendly design.
Graduating student Aneila Kharsyntiew from Meghalaya shared:
“My final project was inspired by Khasi heritage and bamboo craft. NIFT helped me merge my roots with modern fashion.”
Awards and Notable Achievements
Celebrating Top Performers
Several students were awarded gold and silver medals for academic excellence and innovation. Notable awards included:
- Best All-Rounder: Naman Das (Fashion Communication)
- Merit Award in Textile Design: Amika Boro
- Innovation in Sustainable Design: Lyntila Sangma
Their work will be showcased at the upcoming National Graduate Showcase hosted by NIFT Delhi later this year.
NIFT Shillong’s Role in Shaping the Future
Industry-Ready Graduates
With fashion now encompassing technology, sustainability, digital marketing, and e-commerce, NIFT Shillong ensures its students graduate with multidisciplinary skills. Collaborations with brands like Fabindia, North East Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), and Amazon Karigar provide real-world exposure.
What’s Next for the Graduates?
Career and Startup Opportunities
As the fashion and lifestyle industry rebounds post-COVID, students are exploring careers in:
- Design studios and fashion houses
- E-commerce and fashion tech startups
- Artisan-based social enterprises
- Government and NGO-led craft revival projects
The institute also encourages entrepreneurship through incubation support, especially for students wanting to promote handloom and sustainable fashion from the Northeast.
Fashion with Purpose
The NIFT Shillong 13th convocation wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a celebration of vision, culture, and the future of Indian design. As these 145 graduates step into the fashion world, they carry with them the stories, values, and artistry of Northeast India.
Support local fashion. Celebrate regional identity. Choose sustainability.
Be a Part of the Movement
Are you a young designer or fashion enthusiast from Northeast India?
Explore NIFT Shillong’s programs
Collaborate with regional artisans
Promote sustainable fashion globally
Let’s reimagine fashion that respects tradition and shapes a better future.
READ MORE: Assam Biorefinery Project Completed: EIL Boosts Ethanol Production