SDC Education Charity India Hosts National Conference on Future Fabrics and Sustainable Textile Manufacturing
The Society of Dyers and Colourists Education Charity (SDC EC) India, in partnership with the Faculty of Home Science at Shardabai Pawar Arts, Commerce and Science College, under the aegis of the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, organised a two-day interdisciplinary national conference, Future Fabrics: Advancing Textile Manufacturing with Natural and Bio-Based Resources, on 13-14 February 2026.
The conference highlighted the future of textiles through the lens of heritage, technology and sustainability, bringing together academics, researchers, designers and industry professionals from across India and beyond to explore the future of the textile and fashion sector.
Day 1: Heritage, Technology and Natural Solutions
The inaugural programme began with the traditional Pune Vidyapith Geet, followed by the formal inauguration and release of the conference abstract book.
The Chief Guest, Dr Dnyandeo Mhaske, Vice-Chancellor of Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara, addressed the gathering and highlighted the vital contribution of the textile sector to the national economy. He emphasised the importance of strengthening traditional fibres such as cotton, hemp and jute, while encouraging innovation and advancement across the industry.
Mr Sandeep Singh, Chairman of the Society of Dyers and Colourists Education Charity India, introduced the organisation’s activities and highlighted its contribution to strengthening textile education and industry-academia collaboration.
The Secretary of the Trust, Ms Sunanda Pawar, spoke about the growing impact of fast fashion on the handmade and craft-based textile sector and underlined the need to adopt natural fibres and natural dyes to reduce environmental damage and preserve India’s living textile traditions.
Session 1: Indian Textiles – Culture and Heritage
The first technical session was moderated by Dr Manju Hundekar, Director of the Development Cell, Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha. The panellists were Ms Nivedita Saboo, Consultant and Fashion Designer, The House of Nivedita; Dr Meghashyam Gurjar, Director and Production Head, Fashion and Lifestyle Pvt Ltd; and Ms Bhamini Subramaniam, Honorary Trustee, SDC EC India, and Proprietor-Designer, Abhinav Creations.
The discussion highlighted the historical richness of Indian textiles and the urgent need to protect traditional skills and craftsmanship. Panellists emphasised that contemporary developments in textiles should not alter their identity, but rather enable artisans to make their work more relevant to current market trends while retaining its cultural essence.
Session 2: Industry Overview and Future Technologies
The second technical session was moderated by Dr Ashok Athalye, Head of the Department of Fibres and Textiles Processing Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.
The panellists were Mr Shripad Kher, Honorary Trustee, SDC EC India and Director, Amogh Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Badlapur; Dr Garima Bhalla, Principal, MKSSS School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune; and Dr Mrinal Choudhari, Honorary Secretary, SDC EC India and Additional Director, Wool Research Association, Thane.
This session explored current industrial practices, technological advancements and the skills required by the future textile workforce.
Session 3: Industry – Natural Solutions
The third technical session was moderated by Mr Sandeep Singh, Chairman of SDC EC India.
The panellists were Mr Yawer Ali Shah, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, AMA Herbal Laboratories Pvt Ltd, Lucknow; Mr V. R. Sai Ganesh, Chief Operating Officer – Textiles, Zydex Group, Vadodara; Mr Karan R. Sarsar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Awega Green Technologies LLP, Pune; and Mr Gonzalo Pulka, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Protiva, Argentina.
The session focused on bio-based materials, eco-friendly chemicals and sustainable processing technologies. It also featured international participation, with an expert joining online from Argentina to share global perspectives on green textile innovations.
Day 2: Sustainability in Education and Digital Transformation
The second day commenced with an address by Mr Nilesh Nalavade, Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati. He explained how agriculture and textiles are closely interconnected and drew attention to the potential of sugarcane bagasse as an alternative and emerging textile resource.
Session 4: Academics and Fashion – A Sustainable Approach
The fourth technical session was moderated by Mr Aneel Murarka, Managing Director, Mirachem Industries, Mumbai.
The panellists were Dr Madhu Sharan, Head of the Department of Clothing and Textiles, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara; Dr Pratima Goyal, Head of the Department of Textile and Fashion Technology, College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai; Dr Anju Tulshyan, In-Charge Head of the Department of Textiles and Fashion Designing, SVT College of Home Science, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; and Ms Suvarnarekha Jadhav, Educationist, Visual Artist, Colourist, Design Thinker and Advisor to International Schools, Mumbai.
The session brought together senior academics and design educators from leading institutions. Discussions focused on sustainable fashion education, responsible design practices, curriculum innovation and the role of academic institutions in developing environmentally conscious professionals. The session was well received for its practical insights and valuable academic perspectives.
Session 5: AI and the Supply Chain
The fifth session focused on the role of artificial intelligence, digital tools and data-driven systems in improving transparency, efficiency and decision-making across textile and apparel supply chains.
Mr Kailash Tulsi Gajara shared practical examples of technology adoption in logistics, sourcing and manufacturing.
SDC EC India Signs Five-Year MoU with Shardabai Pawar College, Baramati
Through the efforts of Mr Sandeep Singh, Chairman of SDC EC India, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Shardabai Pawar Mahila Arts, Commerce and Science College, Baramati. The agreement aims to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, academic engagement and initiatives within the textile sector and related disciplines.
The MoU was formally signed in the presence of representatives from both organisations, including:
Mr Sandeep Singh, Chairman, SDC EC India
Prof. Shrikumar Mahamuni, Principal, Shardabai Pawar College of Arts, Commerce, Science and Home Science, Baramati
Smt. Sunanda Pawar, Trustee, Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati
Ms Geeta Castelino, Advisor – Strategic Planning and Development, Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati
Prof. Nilesh Nalavade, Chief Executive Officer, Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati
Annual National Conference Commitment
One of the key provisions of the MoU is the organisation of a national conference each year, bringing together academics, industry professionals, researchers and students.
In line with this commitment, the first conference under the agreement was organised in 2026 on the theme:
“Future Fabrics: Advancing Textile Manufacturing with Natural and Bio-Based Resources”
The conference received an excellent response from delegates and participants. By bringing together India’s rich textile heritage, emerging technologies and sustainable solutions, the event provided an important platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The conference reinforced the shared commitment of academia and industry to supporting responsible, innovative and future-ready textile manufacturing, while highlighting the ongoing work of SDC Education Charity India in advancing textile education and strengthening links between industry and academia.