FDDI Foundation Day, Industry Conclave Spotlight Innovation and Skill Development
The Foundation Day and Industry Conclave reaffirmed FDDI’s position as a premier national institute supported by DPIIT and industry, committed to excellence in education, innovation and meaningful industry collaboration, while setting a clear direction as it approaches its 40th year and beyond.
New Delhi: The Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), an institution of national importance under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), on Thursday marked its Foundation Day with an Industry Conclave that underscored the growing emphasis on innovation, skill development and industry integration in the footwear, leather and fashion sectors.
The event brought together policymakers, senior government officials, industry leaders, academicians, alumni and students, and also served as the curtain raiser for FDDI’s upcoming milestone, 40 Years of Excellence. The programme traced FDDI’s journey since its establishment in 1986, its evolution under the guidance of DPIIT, and its expanding national and global footprint. On the occasion, the institute unveiled Vision 2030, outlining a roadmap centred on innovation-led education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration and global competitiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Vivek Sharma, Managing Director, FDDI, said the Foundation Day was both a celebration of the institute’s journey and a reflection of the strong institutional support received from DPIIT and industry partners. He said the launch of Vision 2030 reaffirmed FDDI’s commitment to being future-ready, industry-driven and globally relevant, while remaining rooted in sustainability and Indian heritage. Continued collaboration with industry and DPIIT, he added, would remain central to strengthening skills, innovation and nation-building.
As part of the celebrations, a talk show session featuring FDDI leadership, distinguished alumni and representatives from leading industry organisations deliberated on emerging industry trends, future skill requirements, and the integration of design and technology. The discussion highlighted the importance of industry–academia collaboration and 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 students from across the country for creativity and innovation.
An industry advisory roundtable with senior leaders from the footwear, leather, fashion and allied sectors provided a platform for strategic dialogue 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. Memoranda of Understanding were also exchanged with industry organisations to strengthen collaboration in education, research, skilling and technology transfer, in line with DPIIT’s vision for industrial growth.
Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, FDDI students presented a fashion show themed Traditional Khadi, showcasing India’s handspun and handwoven heritage through contemporary design. The presentation highlighted sustainability, indigenous textiles and the ethos of Vocal for Local.
The Foundation Day and Industry Conclave reaffirmed FDDI’s position as a premier national institute supported by DPIIT and industry, committed to excellence in education, innovation and meaningful industry collaboration, while setting a clear direction as it approaches its 40th year and beyond.
