FDDI participated in the All India Leather Products and Allied Sourcing Fair (AILPA 2025), organized by the Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA) from 28th to 30th October 2025 at the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre, Kolkata. Supported by the Government of West Bengal and India Exposition Mart Limited, the fair served as a global B2B platform connecting Indian manufacturers and designers with international buyers.
During the event, Mr. Arjun Mukund Kulkarni, President, ILPA, felicitated Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, Managing Director (MD) – FDDI, for strengthening industry–academia collaboration, while Md. Azhar, Vice President, ILPA, felicitated Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Executive Director (ED), FDDI Kolkata Campus, for his leadership and continued engagement with the industry.
The event’s theme, “Sustainable Materials and Eco-Aesthetics,” highlighted innovation and responsibility in the evolving landscape of the leather and lifestyle sectors.
FDDI’s creatively designed stall showcased a diverse range of bags, footwear, and garments, reflecting the institute’s focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and eco-conscious design. The exclusive collection of biodegradable leather bags, developed in collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), received widespread appreciation from global buyers. Additionally, the Rajasthani embroidery bag designed by Chinmayee Dash (LLPD 2023 Batch) drew special attention for blending traditional artistry with modern aesthetics.
The FDDI stall emerged as one of the major attractions of the fair, earning the “Best Design Award” in one of the top design categories, recognizing the institute’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
An introductory note by Mrs. Basumitra Ghosh Mukherjee, Head, Centre of Excellence (CoE), FDDI Kolkata, underscored the institute’s pivotal role in promoting innovation, sustainability, and skill development across the leather and footwear value chain.
During the event, Mr. Sharad Srivastav, Joint Director - CoE and Mr. Prashant Nanda, Head of the School of Footwear Design & Production (FDP), conducted a seminar titled “Sole Purpose – Strategies for New Footwear Entrepreneurs,” which provided valuable insights into factory setup, operations, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the footwear sector. The session also highlighted FDDI’s role as an incubation hub for start-ups through its expertise in design and product development, material sourcing, quality assurance, skill development, and industry networking.
