Aalekh Foundation partners with CITI for Sustainability Awards at Bharat Tex 2024

Awards were conferred by Piyush Goyal, Union Cabinet Minister for Textiles and Commerce and Darshana Jasdosh, Minister of State for Textiles and Railways. 

At Bharat Mandapam, as part of the esteemed Bharat Tex Expo, the CITI (Confederation of Indian Textiles Industry), Textile Sustainability Awards 2024 unfolded, celebrating innovation and sustainability in the textile industry. Aalekh Foundation was the knowledge partner for the Women Entrepreneurs category. Awards were conferred by Piyush Goyal, Union Cabinet Minister for Textiles and Commerce and Darshana Jasdosh, Minister of State for Textiles and Railways. 

After coordination, invaluable inputs, and thoughtful deliberations with the jury members, the association announced the deserving winners:

 Winner: Nivedita Banerjee of Kumbaya Producer Company

 1st Runner-Up: Wilima Rodrigues of Saahas Waste Management

 2nd Runner-Up: Sonali Pal of 23:23 Design and Sourcing

Additionally, Special Mention was given to Kumuda Amma, a remarkable nano-entrepreneur from Bangalore. 

Dr Rennie Joyy, Founder Aalekh Foundation, says,“Empowering women entrepreneurs in sustainable textiles isn’t just about recognising their efforts; it’s about acknowledging their critical role in driving positive change within the industry. The CITI Sustainability Awards under Bharat Tex shine a spotlight on these trailblazing women, celebrating their innovation and commitment to sustainability. By providing support and resources, organisations like CITI bridge the gap between small entrepreneurs and industry standards, enabling them to scale their businesses and make a significant impact. Together, we’re building a future where sustainability is not just a goal but a fundamental principle woven into the fabric of our industries.”

Each of these entrepreneurs embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, weaving their own success stories within the realm of sustainability. They are true torchbearers of women’s entrepreneurship in the textile industry, showcasing the power of perseverance and vision.

It was an immense pleasure to learn about their journeys, and we are committed to amplifying their stories to inspire others and foster scalability within the industry. Let’s celebrate these trailblazers and champion a future where sustainability and innovation thrive hand in hand.