Nagpur (Maharashtra)
The Department of Textile Science and Fashion Design of Nikalas Mahila Mahavidyalaya (NMM), Nagpur organised a week-long series of guest lectures titled ‘Creative Junction’. The idea was to overcome the monotony posed by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation. Expert speakers from the field of textile and fashion industry shared their valuable insights in the series with the students of the department. ‘Creative Junction’ lecture series was really a good opportunity for the students of fashion and textile department of Nikalas Mahila Mahavidyalaya to interact with experts from industry. The motto of this series was also to shed off negativity and hone the students’ creative skills.
Prof Deepak Kulkarni, former Principal and Head, Department Of Textile Manufactures, Govt. Polytechnic Nagpur, interacted with the students through a very interesting presentation on ‘Career opportunities in textile and fashion industries’. Prof Kulkarni motivated students by sharing success stories of experts in the field who changed their lives through systematic career planning and hard work. Today, these successful personalities are the famous icons in their domain of work. Many useful tips on career planning, SWOT analysis, personality development and success mantra were shared by Prof Kulkarni in his presentation. He explained the concepts of fashion and textile industry through anecdotes which helped the students to connect with the concept with much ease.
In his second lecture in the ‘Creative Junction’ series, Prof Kulkarni delivered an interesting talk on ‘Khadi: A sustainable textile material’. He explained the significance of Khadi as an eco-friendly product and its manufacturing process in detail. With some interesting and useful facts about this Khadi fabric, Prof Kulkarni sparked interest in the minds of young, inquisitive students. He also showcased through his presentation, how Khadi fabric is setting the stage for India to become a world leader of socially responsible, sustainable fashion. Students were made aware of Khadi contribution in the battle against Covid-19.
Second in the series, Dr Pravin Ukey, Assistant Professor, Dept of Fashion Technology, DKTE’s Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji, interacted with students on ‘Indian textile and clothing industry’. With his immense experience in industry, teaching and publication, he made the session very lively and informative. Dr Ukey explained the working of textile and clothing industry, major issues associated with the industry, production processes and also the initiatives taken by government to promote the industry. Dr Ukey’s presentation created good interest among the students and the faculty about the working of the industry.
Atik Sheikh, Senior GM (Marketing), Mohan Industries was also invited to share his knowledge with the students as a guest speaker in the series on ‘Key skills upgradation for future career’. Being a working professional in the field of textile and having dealt with many products, he gave valuable guidance to the students so as to improve their professional skills required for working in the industry. In his presentation, he covered points such as meaning and importance of skills, key professional skills 2030, skills to get a job, how to identify personality strength, career path based on interest groups, handling hurdles and career mentoring. Students were motivated by his knowledge and experience.
Nikita Shivhare Chaudhary, an entrepreneur in the field of fashion made an impressive presentation on ‘My 10 steps Fashion design process’. She very well explained the process of fashion design, how designers get inspired from different things and conceptual designing is done. Shivhare inspired students for theme-based designing and product development.
‘Creative Junction’ has instilled interest, motivation and optimism regarding their chosen field among the students. Dr Seema Somalwar, Principal of Nikalas Mahila Mahavidyalaya always focuses on the creative development of students. Her pedagogy involves bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical learning experiences. The Creative Junction series was launched keeping this vision in mind. The feedback received from students is very encouraging and positive.
This series was conceptualised and executed under the able guidance of the Head of the Department Dr Rajashree Bapat, who with her immense experience in the field spearheaded this unique initiative. The sessions were hosted by Archana Lande, Shilpa Vishwarupe and Shubhangi Bhatkule, Assistant Professors of the Department of Textile and Fashion. Technical support for ‘Creative Junction’ was provided by Vaishali Lande, Training and placement in charge of the Department. Dr Sayali Pande, Assistant Professor provided the media support.