With the theme “Vision 2030 – Empowering Today, Transforming Tomorrow,” FDDI Chennai marked INI Day 2025 with great enthusiasm, celebrating a day filled with inspiration, innovation, and pride.
The event was honored by the distinguished presence of Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, Managing Director (MD) of FDDI; Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Secretary of FDDI; Mr. Anil Kumar, Executive Director (ED), FDDI-Jodhpur; Mr. M. Sundaresan, ED, FDDI-Chennai; Ms. Manju Maan, ED, FDDI-Noida; Mr. Sunil Kumar Dwivedi, ED, FDDI-Fursatganj; Ms. Sarita Duhan, ED, FDDI-Rohtak; Mr. Lalit Prakash Jangra, ED, FDDI-Ankleshwar; and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, ED, FDDI-Patna.
The occasion brought together dignitaries, industry leaders, alumni, faculty, and students in a dynamic celebration of FDDI’s accomplishments and its forward-looking vision, highlighting the institute’s commitment to shaping the future of the footwear, leather, fashion, and retail sectors.
Mr. R. Selvam, IAS, Executive Director (ED) Council for Leather Exports (CLE), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Dr. N. Mohan, CEO of Kothari Group; Mr. Abdul Razak, Managing Director of VKC; and Mr. Puneet Malhotra, Regional Director – South Asia, University of Northampton.
The celebration featured the launch of the “One FDDI” Compendium by the dignitaries, offering a comprehensive overview of the institute’s achievements, initiatives, and milestones.
Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, MD - FDDI, presented the Vision 2030 roadmap, outlining strategic plans, future goals, and transformative initiatives aimed at empowering students and strengthening FDDI’s role in the global footwear, leather, fashion, and retail sectors.
The industry panel featured distinguished experts who shared their insights on the evolving landscape of the footwear, leather, and fashion sectors. Panelists included Dr. K.J. Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI; Mr. Binu Rajendran, Head – HR, Walkaroo; Mr. Noorul Islam, Managing Director, Nordic Hide; Mr. Chinnasamy Anbumalar, Director, PA Footwear Pvt. Ltd.; alongside Dr. N. Mohan and Mr. Abdul Razak. Their discussions highlighted industry trends, skill requirements, and FDDI’s role in preparing a future-ready workforce.
Alumni and student panel discussions added depth to the event, offering valuable insights into their personal journeys, career transitions, and professional growth. These sessions highlighted experiences, challenges, and achievements, while inspiring current students by showcasing real-world applications of skills learned at FDDI.
The interactions fostered meaningful dialogue on aspirations, learning pathways, and the evolving landscape of the footwear, leather, fashion, and retail industries.
The celebration culminated in a grand cultural extravaganza, featuring an array of classical and contemporary performances that showcased the artistic talents of FDDI students.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular fashion show titled “Stride & Style,” where innovative designs, creative ensembles, and cutting-edge footwear concepts were presented on the runway.
The cultural program not only entertained but also demonstrated the holistic development of students, celebrating their talent, hard work, and dedication.
The event underscored FDDI Chennai’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and global relevance, while celebrating the spirit and strength of the FDDI community.
The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), India’s premier institution in footwear, leather, and fashion education, has embarked on an ambitious journey toward Vision 2030 — a bold and transformative roadmap that positions the institute as a global leader in design education, innovation, sustainability, and sectoral leadership.
Under the guiding motto “Empowering Today, Transforming Tomorrow,” Vision 2030 is more than a plan — it is a movement. It brings together students, faculty, alumni, industry leaders, and policymakers under a unified mission: to create an institution that shapes not just skilled professionals, but pioneers of change.
FDDI’s Vision 2030 marks a bold leap into the future — a future where the institute becomes not only the leading force in footwear design and development but also a beacon of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact for the global design economy.
Structured around 10 strategic thrust areas, Vision 2030 reflects the evolving aspirations of students, industry, government, and society. These focus areas are interconnected and form a holistic transformation blueprint for the decade ahead.
➡️Academic Leadership & Innovation
Establishing FDDI as a centre of academic excellence — with dynamic curricula, cross-campus standardization, global benchmarking, digital rubrics, and faculty-led innovation hubs.
➡️Incubation & Startups
Creating the FDDI Startup Hub, footwear innovation labs, and alumni entrepreneurship pipelines to nurture job creators. Goal: over 50 successful startups by 2030.
➡️Internationalization
Opening up global pathways for students and faculty through exchange programs, joint degrees, foreign admissions, and international collaborations.
➡️Research, Testing & Technology
Strengthening Centre of Excellence network, testing facilities, and IPR strategy to support cutting-edge research, innovations, and certifications.
➡️Sustainability & Social Impact
Embedding sustainability via FDDI Green Label, biodegradable design, low-impact production, and community-linked green practices.
➡️Craft & Sectoral Development
Reviving Indian craft heritage through design education, cluster integration, and modern techniques for sectoral identity enhancement.
➡️Financial Independence
Diversifying income through consulting, testing, IP commercialization, endowments, and continuing education to achieve self-reliance.
➡️Governance & Professionalization
Implementing reforms with CFA, Registrar, Deans, and ERP-backed systems for transparent, efficient, and responsive administration.
➡️Branding & Aspirational Value
Positioning FDDI as the nerve centre of the Indian footwear sector through thought leadership, events, and dynamic digital branding.
➡️Enhanced Student Experience
Delivering immersive, personalized, and future-ready student journeys via Fabulous Fridays, bridge programs, smart classrooms, and global exposure.
Vision 2030 is not just aspirational—it’s actionable. Some of our bold targets include:
• 12,000 students across all campuses
• 100+ startups incubated through FDDI Startup Hub
• 100% digitization of academic and admin functions
• 50% from revenue from non-fee sources
FDDI Vision 2030 thrives on partnerships—with industry giants, artisans, entrepreneurs, alumni, global institutions, and government. From launching the FDDI Green Label to proposing a national footwear day and sectoral awards, FDDI seeks to be the nerve centre of the Indian and global footwear ecosystem.
A multi-tiered implementation mechanism—comprising the Vision Steering Committee, Project Monitoring Unit, and Pillar-wise Task Forces—ensures accountability, agility, and inclusiveness. Real-time dashboards, quarterly reviews, and annual audits will monitor and drive progress.
The future is being shaped today. Vision 2030 is our collective promise — to our students, to the industry, and to the nation.
Let’s walk this path together — one step at a time.
Vivek Sharma, IRS
MD FDDI
