NIFT-Kangra, established in 2009, stands as a premier government fashion institute in Himachal Pradesh, offering cutting-edge undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in design, technology and management. Set in a serene 26-acre campus in the picturesque Kangra valley, just 20 kilometres from Dharamsala, the institute fosters creativity and industry-relevant skills through specialised courses such as fashion design, textile design and fashion communication. In an interview with Raghav Guleria, NIFT-Kangra Director Rahul Chandra discussed his vision for expanding industry linkages, addressing challenges like evolving global trends and tapping opportunities for sustainability and technological integration.
How would you describe the institute’s journey since its establishment in 2009, and what key milestones define its evolution into a leading fashion education hub in north India?
The institute has evolved from a developing centre into a premier fashion education hub in north India. By leveraging its unique location amid the Dhauladhar ranges, the NIFT-Kangra fosters a distinctive blend of creative innovation and environmental sustainability. The centre was officially inaugurated on August 5, 2009, to empower youth through professional skills while preserving the region’s rich textile heritage. The institute operates out of a self-contained, 26-acre permanent campus with world-class facilities.
The institute has significantly expanded its portfolio, with major milestones in 2021 and 2023 through the introduction of master’s programmes in fashion management (MFM) and design space (M Des), respectively. With over 1,200 graduates working for global brands like H&M and Raymond, the institute also remains dedicated to ensuring the welfare of local artisans through its craft cluster initiatives.
What are the unique strengths and differentiators that set the Kangra institute apart from other NIFT campuses?
The “Dev Bhoomi” setting provides a serene, pollution-free environment that naturally fosters creativity. The campus is a dedicated “Zero-Discharge” zone; notably, the architecture was constructed without cutting a single tree, weaving around existing banyan and mango trees to preserve the natural landscape.
NIFT-Kangra offers exclusive access to the unique crafts of Himachal. The institute leads specialised initiatives for Chamba Rumal, Kangra Paintings and Kullu Shawls. By institutionalising relationships with local artisan clusters, we ensure that student designs create a tangible and real-world social impact.
The campus serves as a premier design partner for the state government, executing high-profile projects such as designing uniforms for the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and creating murals for district administrations.
To ensure its curriculum remains aligned with rapid industry evolution, what strategies does NIFT-Kangra employ?
We prioritise real-world readiness through a mandatory “Industry Connect” programme. Starting in Semester-III, students engage in field visits and live projects. Our flexible academic structure allows students to tailor their paths by combining core design skills with contemporary minors like “Industry 4.0.”
To prepare graduates for the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” we have integrated high-tech electives such as AI, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Programmes have expanded to include UX/UI design and augmented reality (AR), while 3D prototyping has become standard across departments. We blend couture with a niche focus on integrating traditional Himalayan crafts into modern slow fashion. This combines engineering precision with managerial expertise and IT-integrated manufacturing.
How has NIFT-Kangra built a robust ecosystem for industry collaboration and global connectivity?
Through the “Karu Krama” (crafts bazaar) and the Hathkargha Conclave, we bridge the gap between traditional weavers and international markets, using digital platforms to provide global visibility to local work. As a trusted design partner, the institute handles prestigious assignments for the LBSNAA and works with organisations like the NABARD and the UNDP to revive traditional crafts and provide professional training to regional youth.
Through the NIFT’s “Global Connect,” students access exchange programmes with world-renowned institutions like FIT (USA) and Politecnico di Milano (Italy), ENSAIT, France etc.
How does NIFT-Kangra function as a “Design Resource Centre” for the state?
The NIFT-Kangra serves as a vital bridge between heritage and innovation through three strategic pillars. The first is the “Heritage Pillar”, wherein we revive languishing crafts like the GI-tagged Chamba Rumal by digitising motifs and helping artisans transition to retail-ready collections. The second being “Nature Pillar”, our 26-acre “Zero-Discharge” campus serves as a living laboratory for biomimicry and eco-friendly design; and the last one is the “Impact Pillar” which acts as the state’s primary design consultant, executing projects ranging from civic beautification to skill-building in remote tribal areas like the Pangi valley.
What is the strategic roadmap for the coming years regarding infrastructure, placements and faculty development?
The institute is evolving into a “Living Lab”. Future infrastructure priorities include fully operationalising industry-grade machinery labs and expanding “Zero-Discharge” systems. We are also shifting from basic placements to “Strategic Career Pathways.” By strengthening industry ties during internships, we aim to increase pre-placement offers (PPOs) while diversifying into e-commerce and fintech. Furthermore, academic excellence is driven by a “Hybrid Faculty” model, where professors act as industry practitioners, bringing real-world consultancy challenges directly into the classroom.
Looking towards 2030, what is the long-term vision for NIFT-Kangra?
At the NIFT, we provide a world-class education in fashion design, technology and management across all our campuses. We empower our talented students to draw inspiration from India’s rich textile heritage and traditional crafts while staying focused on the global trends shaping the future of our industries.
