Union Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurates IIHT SUTRA 2026, first National Conclave of IIHTs in New Delhi

Key facts

• Ministry of Textiles (MoT) organised IIHT SUTRA 2026, the first National Conclave of Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, on 12 August 2026.
• The conclave was inaugurated at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.
• The event was organised under the theme 'IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform.'.
• The conclave brought together policymakers, academia, industry leaders, research institutions, alumni and students to discuss the future of handloom education.
• Three strategic MoUs were exchanged with Grasim Industries, Northern India Textile Research Association, and IIM Sambalpur.
• Meritorious IIHT students were awarded Gold Medals and Rank Certificates for their academic performance.
• The Ministry released the publication 'Handloom Change Makers' and launched the film 'Weaving India's Handloom Future'.
• Six Central IIHTs and five State IIHTs were noted as having produced skilled professionals over the past seven decades.