FDDI marked its Foundation Day on 14th January 2026, with a grand Foundation Day & Industry Conclave, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, alumni, academicians, students, and strategic partners from across the footwear, leather, fashion, and allied sectors.
The day marks a significant milestone in FDDI’s journey, as it was on this date in 1986 that Mr. Premnath Seth was appointed as the first Chairman of the institute, laying the foundation for its growth and excellence.
This year’s celebration carried special significance as it also served as the Curtain Raiser for FDDI’s upcoming “40 Years of Excellence.” The milestone sets the stage for year-long commemorative initiatives celebrating four decades of contribution to skill development, design innovation, and industry advancement since the institute’s establishment in 1986.
The event reflected on FDDI’s transformative journey under the guidance of DPIIT, Government of India, and highlighted its expanding national and global footprint. A major highlight was the unveiling of Vision 2030, outlining FDDI’s strategic roadmap focused on innovation-led education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, industry integration, and global competitiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, Managing Director, FDDI, said “As we mark this Foundation Day and unveil the Curtain Raiser for 40 Years of Excellence, FDDI reaffirms its commitment to being future-ready, industry-driven, and globally relevant, while remaining deeply rooted in sustainability and Indian heritage. Continued collaboration with DPIIT and industry will remain central to strengthening skills, innovation, and nation-building.”
The event was attended by eminent dignitaries, industry leaders, and former senior functionaries of FDDI, reflecting strong institutional continuity and industry engagement. Prominent attendees included Mr. Moti Lal Sethi, President – Indian Leather Garments Association (ILGA) and Member, FDDI Governing Council (GC); Mr. Rajeev Lakhara, IRS (Retd.), Ex MD - FDDI; Mr. Ajay Kumar, IRS (Retd.), Ex- MD – FDDI, Mrs. Meenakshi Ratnakar, Ex-Employee – FDDI, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, CEO – Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) and Mr. Ajay Gaur, Deputy Director – IFCOMA.
Leading industry representatives present at the conclave comprised Mr. Saurabh Bairathi (Bairathi Shoes), Mr. Subhash Jagga (Today Footwear), Dr. Sanchit Sharma (MD, Ayuthveda), Mr. Harish (Campus), Mr. Ashish Nigam (Relaxo Footwears), Mr. C. Govindraj (Bata), Mr. Saurabh Gupta (Lancer Footwear), Mr. Vaibhav Mittal, Managing Director, Lujo Trends Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Sushil Agarwal (Industrial Safety), Mr. Yunus (East West Tanners), Mr. Nirbhay Kapoor (Ninek), Mr. Hari Nigam, Mr. Sudhir Rastogi (Essar), Mr. Vipan Seth (Versatile), Dr. Namila Anand (Liberty), Mr. Nalin Gupta (XO Footwear), Mr. Inder Kaliyar (M & B Footwear), Mr. Nikhil Dixit (Abrres Sports), Mr. Dharmendra Narwala (Gurukripa), Mr. Narendra Malik (RNS Footwear), Mr. Neeraj Shah, and Mr. Siddharth Dubey. Their presence underscored the depth of industry support and the strong collaborative ecosystem associated with FDDI.
The Industry Conclave featured an engaging Talk Show session with FDDI leadership, distinguished alumni, and eminent industry representatives, who deliberated on emerging market trends, evolving skill requirements, design and technology integration, and the growing importance of robust industry–academia collaboration.
The dialogue reinforced FDDI’s role as a critical enabler of talent development and industrial growth. Dr. Sanchit Sharma, Managing Director of Ayouthveda, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and delivered an inspiring keynote address. His participation in the panel discussion and interaction with students added depth to conversations around innovation, responsible enterprise, and industry-driven learning.
An Industry Advisory Roundtable further strengthened strategic engagement with senior leaders from the footwear, leather, and fashion ecosystem. The roundtable provided a focused platform for discussions on workforce development, innovation pathways, and strengthening global competitiveness.
During this session, FDDI launched its Industry Membership Programme, aimed at institutionalizing structured and long-term engagement with industry partners. The conclave also witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding to reinforce collaboration in education, research, skilling, and technology transfer.
A notable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, MD, FDDI, and Ms. Ruma Malik, Chairperson, Buying Agents Association (BAA), to collaborate on student development initiatives such as internships and placements, faculty and curriculum support through industry-led workshops and industry-readiness modules, and the organization of joint national seminars and conclaves to further strengthen industry–academia engagement.
An MoU was also exchanged with AIMIL Ayouthveda Limited as a Sponsor Partner for the Foundation Day & Industry Conclave at Noida.
Celebrating creativity at the grassroots level, the event also hosted the National Design Competition 2025 Award Ceremony, organized by FDDI in collaboration with CBSE. The competition received more than 1,500 entries from schools across the country and followed a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. Thirty National Design Winners—15 Offline and 15 Online—were selected across five contemporary themes, including Sustainable Design & Eco-Friendly Innovation, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Footwear Design Innovation, Interior & Space Design Concepts, and Creative Product & Accessory Design. Winners were felicitated with cash prizes of ₹25,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000, along with medals and certificates, recognizing their creativity and design thinking. The initiative reaffirmed FDDI’s commitment to nurturing design awareness and skill orientation from the school level, supported by DPIIT and industry partners.
Adding a vibrant cultural and sustainability-driven dimension to the celebrations, FDDI students presented a fashion showcase themed “Traditional Khadi,” celebrating India’s handspun and handwoven heritage. The collection seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, underscoring sustainability, indigenous textiles, and the spirit of Vocal for Local. The showcase reflected the institute’s design philosophy—where tradition meets innovation and sustainability guides creativity.
The students also presented vibrant dance performances, adding energy and cultural richness to the celebration.
The Foundation Day & Industry Conclave 2026 was more than a commemorative event; it was a powerful statement of intent. As FDDI embarks on its journey toward completing four decades of excellence, the institute stands poised with a clear and confident roadmap.
Anchored in collaboration, innovation, and a strong industry ecosystem, FDDI continues to strengthen its role as a premier national institution dedicated to education, skill development, sustainability, and nation-building, as it moves steadily toward its 40th year and beyond.
