Dilip Guha, Sasraya News ★ New Delhi : The Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC), under the Ministry of Textiles, marked a significant milestone in its revival journey with the launch of its inaugural heritage designer collection, “Soul Threads,” at a curated exhibition in the national capital.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated on April 24, 2026, by Mrs Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary (Textiles). The occasion was attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including Mr S.C.L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME); Mr Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development; Dr M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handloom); Ms Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); Mr Akhilesh Kumar, Chairman, CCIC; and Cmde Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director, CCIC, along with senior officials and eminent guests.
An Evening of Craft and Couture and Revitalising Khadi Through Innovation
The inaugural evening featured an exclusive preview of the collection, followed by a fashion showcase presented by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK). The Heritage Designer Collection drew deeply from India’s rich indigenous textile traditions, reinterpreted through a contemporary design lens. The evening was further enlivened by vibrant folk performances celebrating the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Prof. (Dr.) Sudha Dhingra, Project Director of CoEK, shared insights into the vision of Khadi India and introduced the design leads of the initiative—Ms Nargis Zaidi, Head (Apparel), and Ms Sunanda Dawar, Head (Textiles).
Established at NIFT in 2021 by the Ministry of MSME, the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) was created to support the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Its mandate is to enable Khadi Institutions (KIs) to design, produce, and market high-quality, differentiated khadi products for both domestic and global markets.
The centre continues to function as a hub for innovation, experimentation, and design development across apparel, accessories, and home furnishings, reinforcing khadi’s relevance in contemporary markets.
The fashion show presentation was structured around three thematic sequences:
The fashion show presentation unfolded through three thematic sequences, each offering a distinct interpretation of khadi’s versatility and cultural depth.
Anek (अनेक)
Anek explored the versatility of khadi saris across fibres, textures, weights, and techniques. Blending cotton, silk, and eri silk, the collection showcased garments suited for diverse occasions, balancing tradition with contemporary expression.
Maati (माटी)
Rooted in earthy aesthetics, Maati brought together dabu block prints from Jodhpur and Ajrakh influences from Gujarat. Rendered in a rich palette of reds and blacks, the sequence highlighted a nuanced interplay of texture, rhythm, and craft heritage.
Punah (पुनः)
Meaning “reborn,” Punah presented khadi in a renewed, contemporary context. Anchored in sustainability and upcycling, the collection reimagined leftover fabrics, extending their lifecycle while promoting environmentally conscious design practices.
A Renewed Vision for Indian Crafts
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Akhilesh Kumar, Chairman, CCIC, said, “With ‘Soul Threads,’ CCIC signals a renewed commitment to revitalising India’s traditional crafts, bridging heritage with innovation, and positioning weavers and handicrafts for a global audience.”
He added, “Through ‘Soul Threads,’ we aim to provide a prestigious platform for leading designers, artisans, and cultural performers, while reaffirming CCIC’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s timeless textile traditions and craftsmanship.”
Exhibition Details
The exclusive exhibition will be held from April 24 to May 10, 2026, at CCIC’s flagship showroom at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi. The showcase brings together an exquisite range of India’s finest artisanal creations, including specially curated sarees, bespoke designer wear, artisanal jewellery, and home furnishings.
