Inauguration of Two days Faculty Development Programme on ​“Global Unification of Textile, Apparel, Fashion, Manufacturers, Designers, Researchers, Academicians, and consumers- Challenges and Solutions” began with Ramaiah Anthem on 7 July 2022 in virtual mode. Dr. Mamatha G Hegde, Associate Professor, and Head, Dept. of Fashion Design, FAD, RUAS welcomed the dignitaries. During the welcome address, she said that the program is organized by the Department of Fashion Design, Faculty of Art and Design, Ramaiah University of applied sciences to bridge the identified gaps between Academia, industrialists, and consumers. She said that Benjamin Franklin quotes ​“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I will learn” so involvement of all the stakeholders in the concerned domain is need of today. FDP is mainly to involve everyone so that all can learn from each other by interaction, discussions, and deliberations which in turn open up the doors for many innovations and there in helping the society”. 

Dignitaries inaugurated the event digitally. Dr. Dilip Kumar Mahanty, Dean, Ramaiah Technology Campus, RUAS briefed and highlighted the importance of the Faculty Development Programme. During the opening address, Dean said that the ​“Fashion Industry of today is of global importance in terms of economic, social and cultural aspects. Change in the mindset of all the stakeholders of the subject domain is very important to bring this unification, one must have an open heart to receive and give the wisdom that he has for the implementation of forthcoming fashion 4.0 and to meet the expectations of transformed clientele who is looking for transparency, care, and sustainability”. 

The Chief Guest Dr. T. M. Kotresh, Director, Chief Executive SBMT, DEBEL, Bengaluru, GoI addressed all the academic and industry participants and said that Various current Challenges faced by textile, apparel, and fashion manufacturers need a different vision that can be resolved by the unification of all the stakeholders like academicians, fashion designers, researchers and consumers under one umbrella with true consciousness to provide aesthetically pleasing and comfortable goods with quality. Excellence in manufacturing is need of the hour and to achieve this there is a need to have updated knowledge on market dynamism and intelligence, sustainable production processes, and national and international partnerships with various stakeholders. 

The Chief Guest Dr. Arun Kumar H. R, Managing Director, Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization, KTPO Bengaluru, GoK highlighted the application of textiles, apparel, and fashion in various sectors starting from agriculture to space designing. He said ​“Geo, cosmetic and protective textiles needs more and more research. Designing in these sectors with the incorporation of intelligent, sustainable and smart wearable’s will have the capacity to bring a positive transformation in society. He also said that there is lot of opportunities for students to develop products using coir and other fibres. He focused on academician’s participation in various textile expos, trade shows, and exhibitions.” 

Resource persons Dr. Prakash C, Director Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, West Bengal, Dr. Kantaraj T Guest Faculty BU, Advocate, Bengaluru, Mr. Kannan K, Hon. Secretary TAI, Bengaluru, teaching staff, researchers, industrialists, and consumers from various organizations from India and abroad participated in the inauguration of the 7 and 8 July 2022, FDP program. Ms. Nagaveni K did the master of ceremony and Ms. Aslesha Bhargava delivered the vote of thanks.