Tahalka Today Team / Taqi Hasnain
LUCKNOW: If khadi is to become a choice of the new generation, it must move beyond being viewed merely as a symbol of heritage and tradition and connect itself with fashion, innovation, contemporary design and modern lifestyles. With consumer preferences changing rapidly and Generation Z redefining the fashion market, khadi faces new challenges—but also a wide range of emerging opportunities.
These themes took centre stage at the 12th National Handloom Day celebration held at Integral University, Lucknow, where students of fashion design were introduced to the changing landscape of khadi, its contemporary relevance and its potential in the future fashion industry.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (UPKVIB) and the Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Design (FoAPD) under the patronage of the Hon’ble Founder and Chancellor Prof. Syed Wasim Akhtar and the Hon’ble Additional Pro-Chancellor Syed Adnan Akhtar.
From Traditional Fabric to a Contemporary Fashion Opportunity
A special awareness session was organised for fashion design students on the occasion of National Handloom Day. The objective was to help students understand that khadi is no longer confined to traditional clothing but has considerable potential within the contemporary fashion and lifestyle industry.
The session was addressed by representatives of K&VIB–Grant Thornton Bharat LLP—Mr. Jitendra Kumar, Associate Director; Mr. Sanket Kumar, Assistant Manager; and Mr. Abhishek Tiwari, Assistant Manager.
The speakers discussed the contemporary challenges and opportunities associated with khadi production, branding and marketing. Particular emphasis was placed on changing market conditions and evolving consumer expectations.
Why Gen-Z Matters for the Future of Khadi
One of the key themes of the session was the changing preference of Generation Z, whose expectations are reshaping the fashion and retail landscape.
The speakers stressed the need for innovative designs, contemporary styling, effective branding, digital marketing and modern communication strategies to make khadi more attractive to younger consumers.
For fashion design students, the discussion offered an important perspective: traditional Indian textiles can find a strong place in modern and even global fashion markets when they are presented through fresh design concepts, contemporary aesthetics and innovative branding.
From the Spinning Wheel to the Catwalk
The celebration highlighted the possibility of bringing together tradition and modernity to create a new future for khadi.
The challenge today is to ensure that khadi is not perceived only as clothing associated with government institutions, national occasions or traditional attire. Instead, it can become part of the everyday fashion choices of young consumers.
For the students, the awareness session provided an opportunity to explore not only the challenges facing the khadi sector but also its potential in employment, fashion design, entrepreneurship, branding and new-age business models.
Connecting Education, Design and Industry
The programme was organised under the guidance of Prof. Zeba Nisar, with the support of Prof. Dr. Safiullah Khan.
The event was effectively coordinated by faculty members Ms. Anusha Sharma, Mr. Zeeshan Ahmad, Ms. Mansi Singh and Dr. Unnati Shukla.
The National Handloom Day celebration therefore went beyond a conventional awareness programme. It became a platform for interaction between khadi, fashion education, industry, changing markets and the aspirations of the younger generation.
The message emerging from the event was clear: the story of khadi is no longer limited to the spinning wheel and the handloom. It can also become a story of design, innovation, branding, entrepreneurship, employment and the new fashion identity of young India.
From Tradition to Tomorrow
With the right combination of design innovation, technology, branding and youth-oriented marketing, khadi has the potential to move from the heritage shelf to the contemporary wardrobe.
The celebration at Integral University reflected this changing vision—where the threads of tradition can be woven into the dreams of tomorrow.
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