THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, JANUARY 15, 2026
The Footwear
Design & Development Institute (FDDI), an Institution of National
Importance under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, marked its
Foundation Day with a high-level Industry Conclave that underscored innovation,
skill development and deeper industry integration as pillars of future growth.
The landmark
event brought together policymakers, senior government officials, industry
leaders, academicians, alumni, students and key stakeholders from the footwear,
leather, fashion and allied sectors, reflecting FDDI’s expanding national and
global footprint. The occasion also served as the curtain raiser for the
institute’s forthcoming milestone, “40 Years of Excellence”, initiating a
year-long series of commemorative activities celebrating FDDI’s journey since
its establishment in 1986 and its evolution under DPIIT’s guidance.
A key
highlight of the programme was the unveiling of FDDI’s Vision 2030, a
forward-looking roadmap anchored in innovation-led education, sustainability,
entrepreneurship, industry alignment and global competitiveness. The vision
outlines the institute’s commitment to preparing future-ready talent while
strengthening India’s design and manufacturing ecosystem.
Addressing the
gathering, Managing Director of FDDI Vivek Sharma said the Foundation Day was
both a celebration of the institute’s legacy and a reaffirmation of the strong
institutional support it enjoys from DPIIT and industry partners. He noted that
the launch of Vision 2030 and the curtain raiser for 40 Years of Excellence
signal FDDI’s determination to remain industry-driven, globally relevant and
firmly rooted in sustainability and India’s rich heritage, adding that
continued collaboration with industry and DPIIT would be central to
strengthening skills, innovation and nation-building.
The
celebrations featured a thought-provoking talk show session with FDDI
leadership, distinguished alumni and eminent industry representatives, who
deliberated on emerging trends, future skill requirements, design and
technology integration and the growing importance of industry–academia
collaboration. The session highlighted FDDI’s role as a key enabler of talent
development and industrial growth. The event also hosted the prize distribution
ceremony of the CBSE national-level design competition, organised in
collaboration with FDDI, recognising young student innovators from across the
country.
An Industry
Advisory Roundtable brought together senior leaders from the footwear, leather,
fashion and allied industries for strategic discussions on workforce
development, innovation and global competitiveness. During the session, FDDI
launched its Industry Membership Programme to institutionalise structured and
long-term engagement with industry partners, while the exchange of Memoranda of
Understanding with industry organisations further strengthened collaboration in
education, research, skilling and technology transfer in line with DPIIT’s
vision for industrial growth.
Adding a
vibrant cultural dimension, FDDI students presented a fashion show themed
“Traditional Khadi”, creatively interpreting India’s handspun and handwoven
heritage through contemporary design. The showcase celebrated sustainability,
indigenous textiles and the spirit of Vocal for Local, drawing appreciation
from dignitaries, industry leaders and former senior functionaries of FDDI
present at the event.
The Foundation
Day and Industry Conclave 2026 reaffirmed FDDI’s standing as a premier national
institute committed to excellence in education, innovation and meaningful
industry collaboration, while clearly charting its roadmap towards its 40th
year and beyond.
