National Institute of Fashion and Technology stitches weaver dreams

Hyderabad: Some of the students and faculty of the National Institute of Fashion and Technology in the city, who are first-time voters, have an agenda for the next government.
 They want the textile ministry to empower weavers across the state and create a steady market for them, so that the next generation of weavers continues in the profession.

“Fashion is not high-end designer clothes with a heavy price tag. Fashion speaks volume about the region and people and their culture. If there is no market for the weavers, the region they represent becomes lost. The government has to empower them.

“The Pochampally project started at Chirala was stopped and very few outlets have the actual creator of the product selling their goods. The middlemen have to be cleared and the actual value of the goods must be delivered,” said Prof. Fatima Bilgrami.

However, students spoke about how most of the time the Central and State government funds do not reach the college authorities on time resulting in hike in the fee and further increase in overall expenses.

“These days with prices of all commodities increasing, we have been facing a lot of difficulty. Fashion studies is an expensive course and if there is a hike in the fee even in a government college, then not many can study,” said Nikhil Chandra, a second year student of textile design.

While Vishant Sisodia, another second year student seconded Nikhil, another student, Anuopam Ladha said, “The amount of money spent on different college festivals must also be decreased and that money should instead be put to some use by the college authorities.”

Director N.J. Rajaram said, “As a common man, I have been facing many issues right from transport to prices to roads and much more. None of the leaders today look at making the living conditions suitable for people, but instead create a lot of difficulties. They are only money-minded.”