Speakers Profile

Shri Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India

Shri Nitin Gadkari

Hon'ble Union Minister, Road Transport and Highways

Shri Ananth Kumar

Hon'ble Union Minister, Chemicals and Fertilizers

Shri Venkaiah Naidu

Hon'ble Union Minister, Information and Broadcasting

Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Hon'ble Union Minister, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare

Smt Smriti Z Irani

Hon'ble Union Minister, Textiles

Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy

Hon'ble Union Minister of State - Independent Charge, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman

Hon'ble Union Minister of State - Independent Charge, Commerce and Industry

Shri Mahesh Sharma

Hon'ble Union Minister of State - Independent Charge, Tourism and Culture

Shri Ajay Tamta

Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Textiles

Shri Arvind Panagariya

Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog

Mr. Amitabh Kant

CEO NITI Aayog

Mr. Amitabh Kant, IAS (KL:1980) is presently CEO of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI). He is the author of Branding India-An Incredible Story. Kant has been a key driver of several international award winning campaigns viz. “Make in India”, Startup India, “Incredible India” and God’s Own Country”. These initiatives positioned India and Kerala State as leading manufacturing and travel & tourism destinations respectively. In his capacity as Secretary (Industries) Govt. of India, he initiated the Ease of Doing Business initiative and ranking of States on defined parameters.

Shri Ananth Kumar Singh

Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

Mr. Atanu Sen

Director, Trimurti Industries Ltd., Kolkata

He has got experience in Coating of Cotton, Polyester, Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Cotton – Polyester Duct, Jute based fabric and E- glass fabric by natural rubber, natural SBR Blend, Polychloroprene, EPDM, Bromobutyl, Silicone Polymer, PVA-Latex, Hypalon etc.

Dr A. M. Mir

MD, Cashmere Marketing Agencies

He is Bachelor of Science and post graduate in marketing. He has served in J&K Government & Public Service Corporations as General Manager (Wool Division) . He was Managing Director in J&K Himalayan Wool Combers Ltd. and Managing Director J&K Handloom Handicrafts Raw Material Supplies Corporation. He is Expert on Wool, Pashmina & Specialty Fibres. He Established Pureweave Fashions Pvt Ltd in 2007.

Prof. Abdul Jabbar Khan

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh

He is a Professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Prof. Khan graduated in Civil Engineering and has earned PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, UK in 1999. Prof. Khan has been working on development of Jute Geo textiles (JGT) for civil engineering applications ever since his return from the UK. Prof. Khan has more than twenty publications in different referred journals and conferences.

Mr. A. K. Lohia

Managing Director, M/s. Alliance Mills, & Chairman [lJlRA]

Mr. Arun Lohia is a Chemical Engineer from llT, Kharagpur and has been associated in the management of Jute Mills for more than 35 years. He is the Managing Director of Alliance Mills (Lessees) Ltd. He has been the Chairman of I.J.M.A in 1994 and 1995 and is also associated with Sugar Mills Association and many philanthropic bodies and organizations.

Dr. Ajoy K. Sarkar

Associate Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY

Ajoy K. Sarkar, Ph.D. is a faculty member in the Textile Development and Marketing department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY. Dr. Sarkar’s expertise includes fibers, textile coloration, finishing, product development, textile analysis, and application of textile technology to design. His research focus is sustainable textiles and fashion. He is a co-author of the best-selling textbook, J.J. Pizzuto's Fabric Science.

Prof. Asim Tewari

IIT Bombay

Asim Tewari is a Professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering and incharge of the National Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research (NCAIR) at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Prior to this he was a staff researcher at General Motors, Global R&D center in Bangalore. He graduated with a B. Tech degree from IIT Kanpur followed by MS and PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA. After his doctorate he was briefly with National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore. Subsequently, he joined IIT Kanpur, where he served as an assistant professor before joining General Motors Global R&D center in Bangalore.

Mr. Andrew Macdonald

Managing Partner, AMCON Consulting (Textiles & Cotton), Sao Paulo, Brazil and past President of the Brazilian Cotton Association.

Andrew Macdonald worked for the Bunge Group for 43 years starting in England and thereafter cut his trading teeth in India, 7 years in Kolkata in the Jute and Jute goods trade, and one year in Mumbai trading Castor Oil.

Mr. Ajay Chaturvedi

Founder and CEO, HarVa (Harnessing Value of Rural India)

Honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, Ajay is a former Citi banker. Ajay’s venture, HarVa XPO entered the Limca Book of Records for being the first “all women rural BPO” in the world in 2011. Ajay has also authored the bestselling book, ‘Lost Wisdom of The Swastika’ published by Times Group Books of Bennett Coleman & Co.

Dr. Anil Misra

National Project Manager UNIDO, New Delhi .

Dr. Anil Misra is D. Phil., M. Sc. (Renewable Energy Use) from University of Oldenburg, Germany and M. Sc. (Physics). He is having Publications: Books (8), Research Papers (9),. The areas of specialisation and competence include: - Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Biofuels / Biomass and Natural resource management; - Architecture/ Building design: Solar architecture, Building designs optimization (performance prediction and thermal analysis) through computer simulation,

Ms. Aurineeta Das

Faculty NIFT Shillong (Moderator)

She is a Post Graduate in Textile Design and Development from NIFT, Delhi in 2002. She has worked on various projects sponsored by D.C. Handicraft & Ministry of Minority Affairs. She has trained 30 artisans from SHGs in woven textile at Kaziranga, Assam.

Dr. A.N. Desai

Moderator

Dr. A.N. Desai holds a Ph.D. (Tech) in Textile Technology and he is a Fellow of Institute of Engineers, India. He was awarded the Honorary Fellow of Textile Association (FTA) by Textile Association (India) in 2003. He is the past Director of Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA) and Chairman of TX30 and TX33 of the Bureau of Indian Standards and is Chairman of Textile Division Council of Bureau of Indian Standards.

Prof. B S Mahapatra

Professor Agronomy, G. B. Pant University of Ag. & Tech., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand

Provided leadership for execution of about 80 In-House Research Projects in areas like - genetic resource management, development of HYV with better fibre quality,farm mechanization, waste utilization for value addition, etc. to address the cause of jute farmers of the country. He has acquired three Patents.

Dr. Bhupesh Sharma

Scientist, Sriram Institute of Industrial Research, New Delhi

Dr. Bhupesh Sharma, Ph.D. Chemistry from CCS University Meerut India, is an Incubator, Trainer for Entrepreneurs on Entrepreneurship Development, in the areas of Rubber and plastic, waste utilization & waste, R&D on Plastic & Environment Analysis of Air, Water & Soil, Process Control, Production & Quality control of Cement in Shriram Institute for Industrial Research.

Dr. C D Mayee

Founder President, South-Asia Biotechnology Centre

He is an Adjunct Professor, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, Chairman of Agri. Finance Corporation, Mumbai, Member of African Bio safety Network Expertise, Burkina Faso. Previously, he served as Vice-Chancellor, MAU, Parbhani. He was also Chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi. His research areas are in Plant Pathology-Epidemiology and Management, Oilseed Pathology, Human Resource Development, Cotton Improvement, Biotechnology.

Dr. Christian Philipp Schindler

Director General International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Economics graduate from the University in Fribourg (Switzerland) with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University in Cologne (Germany.) After working in the German Bundestag (Parliament) and for the German Wholesale and Foreign Trade Association (BGA), he joined the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) in 2004. Experience in the development of the global textile industry.

Mr.Charan Singh

TUV – Rheinland Testing Lab, Germany

Charan Singh holds a Bachelor degree in Textiles and Masters in Business administration with more than 18 years’ experience in this industry. Mr. Singh currently works as Vice President and Regional Director Softlines Business for India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region with TUV Rheinland (India) Pvt. Ltd., taking care of business operations for India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Turkey.

Mr. Christian Schindler

Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation

Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1968, Dr. Schindler studied economics at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, from where he graduated in 1994. He has served as personal assistant of two Members of Parliament in the German Bundestag, Bonn and speechwriter of Association's President. Dr. Schnidler is serving in the International Textile Manufacturers Federation since 01.10.2004.He is the Director General of ITMF, which is an international forum for the world's textile industries, keeping the world-wide membership constantly informed through surveys, studies and publications.

Mr. Dietrich Eickhoff

MD and CEO ShangGong (Europe) Holding Corp., Germany

Mr. Eickhoff studied Electronic Engineering at University of Applied Science in Bielefeld, Germany. He started his business career in 1980 at Dürkopp GmbH in Bielefeld, Germany. During the past decade, Mr. Eickhoff has lead Dürkopp Adler, Pfaff and KSL to all innovative, high tech oriented machine manufacturers with the worldwide unique automatic sewing and welding processes.

Prof. Deepti Gupta

Department of Textile Technology, IIT New Delhi

She is a Post graduate in Clothing and Textiles with PhD in Textile Technology (Natural Dyes) from IIT New Delhi. She is having 30 years’ experience in Textiles Technology with 87 publications 5 books and one technology to her credit.

Dr. Darlie O. Koshy

DG & CEO, Apparel Training & Design Centre & Institute of Apparel Management

Dr. Darlie Koshy’s pioneering contributions to Fashion & Design Education, Skill Development & Vocational Training over the last three decades has been well acknowledged by the stakeholders. He has been also trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Newyork in Fashion Marketing & Merchandising, and had founded the Fashion Management Department at NIFT, New Delhi. He is also the recipient of UNDP fellowship for reseach in India’s, destination markets for apparel i.e. US, Europe & Japan and many more prestigious national and international awards.

Mr. Dilip Tambyrajah

Secretary General, International Natural Fiber Organization (INFO), The Netherlands

Dilip Tambyrajah is the initiator and founding member (present Secretary) of the International Natural Fiber Organization (INFO),. Mr Dilip Tambyrajah studied Environmental Engineering at the University of South Bank, London and holds a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the British business School Henley Management College, Brunel University, U.K. His expertise includes R&D in natural fibers, fiber production and applications, commercial experience and expertise in product development .

Mr. D.C. Baheti

Managing Director , Gloster Ltd; Fort Gloster, Bauria

Mr. D.C. Baheti is a commerce graduate and is the Managing Director of Gloster Limited. He has been associated with the operations of the Company for over four decades. Sri Baheti has a vast experience in scientific evaluation of the techno commercial aspects of the production of jute goods and highly regarded in industry circles.

Mr Dilip Gaur

MD Grasim

Mr. Gaur is the Managing Director of Grasim Industries, Director of Global Pulp & Fibre business and Director of Aditya Birla Management Corporation, the apex Leadership Team of Aditya Birla Group. Previously, Mr. Gaur had worked in Hindustan Unilever for 24 years. A Chemical Engineer by profession, Mr. Gaur has extensive experience in managing transformational changes, globally.

Mr. Eric Duchamp

Worldwide CEO, Peclers Paris

Duchamp is an expert in brand strategy, trend forecasting, marketing & innovation. He has spent 19 years in different positions of sales and marketing departments of companies like Procter & Gamble and Valassis France before joining Peclers, Paris. After his joining in Worldwide CEO, Duchamp has developed Peclers Paris’ Brand Strategy and Innovation Consulting activities and has started a unique digital transformation of the Agency. Duchamp is graduated from one of the leading business schools in France, NEOMA.

Mr. Edward A. Gribbin

President, Alvanon, Inc.

Edward leads the “Alvanon Team” around the globe helping fashion industry clients develop and implement growth strategies and solutions in disciplines ranging from marketing and merchandising to product development and supply chain. Ed is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on apparel sizing and fit and serves numerous global organizations dedicated to the success of the retail, apparel and textile sectors.

Ms. Feriel KAROUI

Strategic Planner & Trend consultant, Promosty

Ms. Karoui holds a degree from French Institute of Fashion (IFM) and ISCOM Paris. She actively participates in cultural exchanges between Countries and Industries. Spotting major trends, she has been working in trend offices for more than 10 years with marketing, style and communication point of view. She has worked as faculty at Institut Francais De La Mode for 6 years in the area of trend and color expert.

Mr. Gaurav Mahajan

President (Apparel), Raymond Group

An alumnus of Harvard Business School & NIFT Delhi with over 23 years of experience in organized retail. Prior to joining Raymond Group, Gaurav was Chief Operating Officer at Trent (Westside). The highlight of his career has been his contribution in the nurturing of Westside from a single store operation to the largest store chain in India with 80+ Stores.

Mr. Gaurav Sharma

MD Obeetee Pvt Ltd

Known for his unerring eye for product, design and quality, Gaurav Sharma enjoys staying abreast with international design and color trends. He worked in most of OBEETEE’s key departments before he took over as the Managing Director of the company in 2013.An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics, Gaurav also completed a short course in finance from Columbia Business School in 2012.

Prof. Gajanan Bhat

Head of Department of Textiles Merchandising and Interiors, University of Georgia, Athens

He is Ph.D. from Georgia Tech. in textile and polymer engineering, joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in August 1990. He has vast experience in manufacturing of nanofibers from thermoplastic polymers by meltblowing. He has published more than 200 research papers and has three US Patents. He has five international awards to his credit.

Mr. Gautam Nair

MD, Matrix Clothing

He graduated in Honours in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University (1973-76). Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Co-Chairman, National Committee of Apparel, CII for 2017-18. Member - Minimum Wages Board, Government of Haryana. Elected Member - Executive Committee, Apparel Export Promotion Council. Chairman, State Partnership Board (Northern Region), AEPC. Vice President - Apparel Exporters and Manufacturers Association.

Ms. Gita Ram

President, Craft Council of India

She is Co-founder of Industree Foundation and Industree Crafts Pvt Ltd. She has been working in the craft sector for several years and has rich expertise in technical issues. She is Chairperson of The Crafts Council of India and Managing Trustee of the Gandhigram Khadi and Village Industries Trust. She was with Madras Craft Foundation and helped in setting up Dakshinachitra the Heritage Center outside Chennai. She has also worked extensively on revival of languishing crafts, organized technical trainings and skill upgradation camps for artisans.

Dr G Venkatappa Rao

Chairman Saimaster Geoenvironmental Services Private Limited

He holds B.Sc. from Andhra University and B.E. in Civil Engg from BITS, Pilani (1962), Ph.D. from IISc, Bangalore. Dr. Rao has a distinguished career of over three decades at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, serving as Professor and Head of the Department, Dean of Students and in various other capacities.

Mr. Hindol Sengupta

Editor-at-Large, Fortune India, India

Hindol Sengupta is an award-winning writer of eight books. He has been shortlisted for the Hayek Book Prize given by the Manhattan Institute and has won the PSF Award for public service for his writing. He is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and has been a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Civil Society. In 2017, he was selected as a Knight-Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University.

Mr. Indrasen Vencatacheelum

Former Director, Division of Creative Industries , UNESCO

His professional career started in 1976 in Africa with an inter-governmental organization-the African Cultural Institute- based in Dakar (Senegal)- where he was the Director of Cultural Cooperation up to 1987. Mr Vencatacheelum served at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and was Director of the Programme for the promotion of crafts and design in all geographical regions. He is the Founder/Coordinator of the ‘International Network for Craft Development’-RIDA.

Prof. Ila Gupta

IIT, Roorkee, (Moderator)

Prof. (Mrs.) Ila Gupta is working in IIT, Roorkee as Head of Department in Architecture and Planning. She had completed her Phd. in Women Depiction in Kangra Miniature Painting. Major area of her research is on revival of Folk Art, Cultural Heritage, Women Empowerment - Social awareness, Selection of Colour scheme -Signage for stress free and user-friendly built environment. She has research interests in Aesthetics in Architecture, Visual Communication and Design, Architectural and cultural history of monuments, Colour applications, Public Signage system, Folk Art, Terracotta Narratives, Woodcraft, Public Art, Applied Art, Visual Art and Design.

Mr. I J Dhuria

Director (Materials) Head of sourcing of all the Textiles Raw Material for Vardhman Textiles Ltd.

Mr. Dhuria has been associated with Vardhman Group since last 28 years, having work experience of over 39 years in the procurement of Textile Raw Materials. He is member of Global ‘Cotton Consumers Committee’ of the International Cotton Association (ICA), Member of Product Advisory Committee of National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited, Multi Commodity Exchange and Member of Advisory Board of Control Union Certifications of India.

Mr. I. Sajid Hussain

Chief Operating officer Tamilnadu Water Investment Company Limited

He has got experience of over 25 years in Industrial wastewater engineering. He is presently, the Chief Operating Officer in Tamilnadu Water Investment Co. Ltd (TWIC) responsible for operations and the Water Reuse Business. He played a key role in the revival of the Tirupur dyeing cluster, through the development and implementation of the unique ‘brine reuse technology’ for achieving Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms for the Textile Dyeing effluents and winning of several international awards from GWI-UK, WateReuse Association, USA etc. He has also developed ZLD technology for Pulp & paper and Leather Tanneries. He has done his Master’s in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Toxicology. He is also presently pursuing his PhD

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt. Ing Thomas Gries

Chairman, ITA Group, RWTH Aachen; and Director, Raina Industries Private Limited

Prof. Thomas Gries holds the chair of “Textilmaschinenbau der RWTH Aachen” (“Textile Engineering” within the faculty of mechanical engineering, RWTH Aachen University) and is Director of the Institut fuer Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University. Prof. Gries holds more than 40 patents and has more than 600 publications. His philosophy is to develop new materials and production processes for mobility, building, living and life sciences. On international level, Prof. Gries is a member in different program committees of international congresses and of the editorial boards of international journals.

Smt. Jaya Jaitley

Founder Dastkari Haat Samiti

She is an activist, author and Indian handicrafts curator. She has an intimate knowledge of the craft traditions of the country having worked in the field for over 40 years. She founded an association of crafts people called the Dastkari Haat Samiti, which enables traditional workers to gain confidence in the marketplace through many innovative strategies. She is the creator of the concept of Dilli Haat and saw to its establishment in Delhi. She has authored and published books on the Crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the Craft Traditions of India, Viswakarma’s Children, a socio-economic study of crafts people, and Crafting Nature.

Dr. Joy Sen

Professor, IIT Kharagpur, PI, SANDHI Initiative

Dr. Joy Sen is a Professor in the Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. He is currently Head of Ranbir and Chitra Gupta School of Infrastructure and Design, IIT Kharagpur). He is currently involved in two mega projects sponsored by MHRD Govt. of India: SandHI - Science and Heritage and Future of Cities. He is a Principal Investigator, Project VARANASI, IIT Kharagpur and PIC, Micro-Projects, Varanasi, in alliance with IIT (BHU). He has authored seven books.

Prof. Janendranath Mandal

Professor and Chief Consultant Dept. of Civil Engineering Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay.

Research Areas include Centrifuge modelling of geosynthetic reinforced soil structures; Municipal/Hazardous waste landfills; Tsunami reconstruction with geosynthetic containment systems. He has many national and international awards to his credit. He has published more than 80 national and international journals.

Shri J K Gupta

Scientist-D, Textiles, BIS, New Delhi

He is B. Text in Textile Technology. He is having about 18years’ experience in the Bureau of Indian Standards in various capacities in the area of certification, standardization and quality assurance of various textile products, mechanical products, chemical products etc. and carried out more than 1000 surveillance visits for these products. At present looking after the work of standardization in the field of technical textiles specially Agrotech, Geotech, Protech, Indutech, Packtech, Medtech and buildtech including jute/coir technical textiles

Ms. Judith Buchmaier

Dy. Head, AEE Institute for Sustainable Technologies, Austria

Judith Buchmaier is research associate and project manager in the department Industrial Processes and Energy Systems at AEE - Institute for Sustainable Technologies. She studied technical chemistry and biotechnology at Graz University of Technology. She has got rich experience in thermal recovery technologies in industrial applications. These include the electroplating and food industry.

Dr. J.L.V. Prasad

Sanganer Enviro Project Development

Dr. J.L.V. Prasad is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad. At present, he is working as President, EPC Company, Ahmedabad. He has also worked in several capacities in various companies which include President in M/s. Rotofilt Engineers Ltd., Vice President-Technology in M/s. Doshion Veolia Water Solutions Limited, Ahmedabad, Scientist ‘E’ in Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR), Gujarat.

Mr. Krijn Dijkstra

Global Business Executive, M/S DSM Netherlands

Mr. Krijn Dijkstra is PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of Twente. His areas of expertise are Research and Technology, Material Science, Business Management, Product Management etc. He has in depth knowledge of plastic materials especially in automobile industry

Dr. K.V. Srinivasan

MD, Sree Narasimha Textiles Pvt. Ltd.,

Dr K V Srinivasan is the Managing Director of Premier Mills Pvt Ltd, Sree Narasimha Textiles Pvt Ltd and Premier Fine Linens Pvt Ltd. He is B.Tech in Textile and MSc in Textile Technology. He earned his Doctorate from the University of Manchester in December 1986.He held the position of Chairman of the Yarn Committee, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, from 2007 to 2009. He is also a Member of the Advisory Board of International Textile Manufacturers Federation, Zurich (ITMF) since 2010.He is the Vice Chairman of TEXPROCIL.

Dr Li Long PhD

Standing Vice President Chinese Society of Sericulture Science

He is PhD in Agriculture Science with more than 30 years of Research Experience in Sericulture. He was instrumental in drafting Status of China's Sericultural Subsector” for FAO, Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia Y Desarrollo Rural (SAGAR), Mexico in 1998.He was Project Demonstration for “The Production Of Silk In Albania” in 2000.He was also associated with the Project “Seri 2000” sponsored by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at A.P. State Sericulture Research and Development Institute, India in 2001 and 2002.

Ms. Lucy Upward

Editor Cover Magazine

Ms. Lucy Upward works as an Editor of Cover magazine U.K.. She has been extensively covering world of contemporary handmade rugs and high-end textiles for interiors in Cover magazine. With unrivalled expertise and a far-reaching network she connects with makers, producers, interior designers and retailers worldwide.

Ms. Madhura Dutta

Executive Director, All India Artisan and Crafts Workers Welfare Association (AIACA)

She has 14 years of experience in the social development sector. She has worked in UNESCO and has contributed towards development of Cultural Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship. She holds double Master’s degree in Sociology and Sustainable Development and Ph.D from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Mr. Manish Kumar

Global Executive Vice President, Geo Chem Laboratories Group

He has 28 years global experience in buying, testing, Production Operations, Sales & Marketing, Merchandising, Financial Administration and Product Design & Development in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and China. He helped Bureau Veritas group for establishing & expanding textile testing business worldwide with his rich awareness about international standards followed pertaining to Apparels and FMCG products.

Mr. Mahavir Pratap Sharma

Chairman, CEPC

Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Chairman of the Carpet Export Promotion Council is an entrepreneur in the carpet industry for more than last three decades. He is the Managing Director of Oscar Expo Design LLP, manufacturing and exporting Handmade Carpets and Silver Jewelry. He was the President of Rajasthan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association for consecutive two terms from 2005-2010.

Mr. Manikam Ramaswamy

CMD, Loyal Textiles Mill Ltd (MODERATOR)

Mr. Ramaswamy is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from IIT, Chennai. He has been awarded Banco Foundation Gold Medal for securing the first rank in Mechanical Engineering. He is the CMD of Loyal Textiles Mill Ltd. Loyal Group is a multi-faceted conglomerate, providing an array of products and services for textile and apparel industries. He previously served as Chairman of SIMA, CITI and TEXPROCIL.

Ms Mridula Jain

Chairperson, Shawl Club of India and MD Shingora Textiles Ltd.

Mridula Jain, is a graduate in science & math’s with a degree in B.Ed and a post graduate in English literature. In 1987, she started her unit for Shingora Shawls. Since then she had created innovative designs and mirror work, hand painting, and Phulkari Embroidery. She has worked for the shawl industry as Chairperson of Shawl club of India and Association of Wool Mark.

Dr. M. Zimniewska

Institute of Natural Fibres, Poland

Dr. M. Zimniewska is at present Associate Professor and HoD of Innovative Textile Technology at the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants, Poland. She is the author and co-author of more than 140 research articles published in scientific journals and international conference proceedings as well as book chapters. She has 4 patents to her credit. She has more than 20 awards and recognitions to her credit for her work from various National and International Organizations.

Dr. M.V. Venugopalan

Principal Scientist, Central Institute for Cotton Research

Dr. M. V. Venugopalan obtained his MSc and PhD degrees in Agronomy from the India Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He is specialist in soil fertility, crop simulation modeling, land use planning, agronomy of new plant types, abiotic stress management. He is the sole member from India in the Executive Committee of International Cotton Researchers Association, Washington, USA.

Dr. Manisha Mathur

Deputy Director (SASMIRA)

Dr. Manisha Mathur is a doctorate from the Department of Fiber and Textile Processing Technology at Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. She has expertise in the Textile wet Processing segment and has worked on many breakthrough technologies including energy conservation and green processing. She has secured Indian Patent on “Method and Machine for Dyeing Textiles using Ultrasonic Dyeing Technique.

Shri Manoj Chaturvedi

Sarvodaya Ashram Etah & Khadi Expert, Moderator

He is MBA from London Business School, U.K and is Masters in Economics from London School of Economics, U.K. He established in- house spinning and weaving infrastructure to motivate artisans for better per capita income and organized quality production. He represented khadi industries before KVIC, Planning Commission and the Ministry of SSI and ARI. He was instrumental in making Sarvoday Ashram, one of the largest Manufacturers of Cotton Khadi in the country, the first Khadi Institution in the country to set up an e-commerce store. Built strong customer base of Khadi via Japan, France and USA through joint ventures with various export houses. Built 240 work sheds in villages for Below Poverty Line Artisans of Sarvoday Ashram with the help of KVIC. Exposed Khadi Textiles to various international dignitaries such as Ameer of Kuwait, Ambassadors of France, Germany, USA and U.K.

Maj Gen B V Rao

VSM ADG (EM) Indian Army

Maj Gen BV Rao, VSM is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers on 12 Jun 1982. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow. A versatile officer with a strong academic background, his qualifications include B.Tech from JNU, M Tech from IIT, Kharagpur and M Phil from Devi Ahilya University, Indore. The General Officer participated in OP PAWAN (Sri Lanka), OP VIJAY (Kargil) and OP PARAKRAM. He has also been awarded COAS Commendation Card on one occasion, GOC-in-C Commendation Card on four occasions.

Dr. Micheal T.Fralix

President and CEO, Textile Clothing Technology Corporation,USA

He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. He is skilled in Trend Analysis, Luxury Goods, Operations Management and the Textile Industry supply chain. He offers expertise on a variety of topics including sizing for fit, 3 D product development, production scheduling, industrial engineering, ergonomics, simulation, lean manufacturing systems, sustainable technologies and digital supply chain.

Mr. Mukti Gogoi

Commissioner & Secretary-Handloom, Textile, Sericulture Department, Government of Assam

He joined the Assam Civil Service in 1983 and Indian Administrative Service in Feb 2012. He successfully led Department of Handloom & Textiles as Director from Sept 2006 to Sept 2011. He was CEO of Khadi board, MD of Assam Government Marketing Corp. Ltd and also MD of ARTFED. He also held the post of Secretary, Home & Political Department (2012 to 2015).

Mr. Manoj Jhaver

Technical Marketing Manager -South Asia M/S DuPont Protection Solutions

Mr. Manoj Jhaver is working in the area of PPE’s, protecting personal against common industrial hazards like - thermal, chemical & cut. Mr. Manoj has 15+ years of experience in new product development and has worked in the areas of Polymers, Surfactants, Silicones and Technical Textiles. He has 4 patents under his name and has published several articles in various magazines

Dr. Madhusudanan

Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi

Dr. Madhusudanan is presently working as Additional Director (Scientist ‘E’) & Divisional Head, IPC-III, Agro Based Industries, Central Pollution Control Board. He is National Level coordinator for Sugar, Distillery, Pulp & paper, Textiles, Food and Beverages, Nodal officer for implementation of Action plan for above sectors as part of Ganga Rejuvenation (Namami Gange) & Divisional Head, Agro based industries in CPCB

Mr. Mark Jarvis

MD – WtiN

Mark Jarvis is Managing Director of World Textile Information Network (WTiN), a UK based information provider for the textile value chain. Jarvis is an authority on the evaluation of how innovative digital technology will influence changes in the textile industry.

Mr. Navdeep Singh Sodhi

Partner with Gherzi Textil Organisation, Switzerland

Mr. Sodhi is a textile industry economist with 30 years of international experience. His expertise includes strategy, technology and international trade and investment. He contributed to the formulation of the perspective plan for Indian Textile Engineering Industry (TEI) and conducted an international benchmarking study to evaluate the competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.

Mr. Nidhi Raj

Product Head, Peter England, Madura Garments

He has researched, designed and executed Worlds’ First Earth Chinos that is made with 100% Natural Agro Waste. He has developed the most sustainable Jeans, Eco Jeans that uses natural coffee waste and has a potential to reduce global warming. He has won many award for Design and innovative use of material.

Ms. Neelam Chhiber

Managing Director, Industree/Mother Earth, India

For the last three decades, Neelam has been working with artisans in rural and urban areas, by providing design, technical and marketing solutions to bridge the urban-rural divide. By 2025, Neelam and her team aim to directly impact a million artisans by organising them into producer companies, enabling them to diversify into newer products and markets. She is a board member of Action For India and AIACA (All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association).

Mr. Narendra Kumar

Designer & Creative Director, Amazon

A NIFT Graduate, Narendra Kumar has been in fashion industry since last 25 years. Narendra has designed for and styled Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' season 8, which entailed creating 70 different looks. He has worked on various films such as Fashion, No Smoking, Blue etc. He is on the board of advisory members for the Lakme Fashion Week. Narendra has been a consultant for many of India's leading textile mills such as Raymonds, Reid and Taylor, Grasim, Arvind Brands, as well as Madura Brands.

Mr. Oliver

Christof Business Unit Manager M/S Barnet Europe, Germany

Mr. Oliver Christof has Master´s degree in Textile Engineering from the University Niederrhein in Monchengladbach, Germany. He has a vast experience in Development and Marketing of various Man-Made Fibers

Ms Peta Slack-Smith

AWI, Sydney

She is post-graduate in environmental science. Peta’s current role covers the length of Australian wool supply chain: consulting with Australian woolgrower groups; managing AWI’s relationship with the Australian government; assisting manufacturing and commercial partners navigate traceability and CSR issues. Peta is the recipient of two prestigious awards including a Churchill Fellowship and the Fairfax Fellowship in Ethical Leadership run by the St James Ethics Centre.

Mr. P.R. Roy

Chairman- Diagonal Consulting (India)

A PhD in textiles from the University of Manchester, UK and a former Group Chief Executive (Textiles) of Arvind Mills Ltd based in Ahmedabad, India. He has over 40 years of rich experience in industry, research and teaching. Dr. Roy has been awarded the 2016 Gold Medal of Society of Dyers & Colorists, UK (Incorporated by Royal Charter) for his prolonged and distinguished service to the Textile Industry in India. Dr. Roy is an expert in textiles and is also revered as “Father of Denim in India”.

Philip McGoldrick

International Technical Director Strata Geosystems

He is a Professional Civil Engineering and Soil Mechanics industry expert with holistic experience in the design, construction, and validation (CQA) of large scale highway projects, landfill waste management facilities, mine tailing dams & reinforced soil structures in Europe, USA and Asia Pacific since last 27 years.

Mr. Premal Udani

MD, Katyee Corp. Mumbai

Mr. Udani is Managing Director of M/s. Kaytee Corporation Pvt. Ltd., which is one of the oldest members of Apparel Export Promotion Council and pioneered exports of knitted garments out of India. Mr. Udani has more than 35 years experience in the Apparel and Textile Industry in India. He has been past Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), President of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India.

Dr. P.R. Roy

Former Chairperson, RAC, CIRCOT (Moderator)

A PhD in textiles from the University of Manchester, UK and a former Group Chief Executive (Textiles) of Arvind Mills Ltd based in Ahmedabad, India. He has over 40 years of rich experience in industry, research and teaching. Dr. Roy has been awarded the 2016 Gold Medal of Society of Dyers & Colorists, UK (Incorporated by Royal Charter) for his prolonged and distinguished service to the Textile Industry in India. Dr. Roy is an expert in textiles and is also revered as “Father of Denim in India”.

Mr. Punit Lalbhai

Executive Director, Arvind Ltd

He has an MBA from INSEAD, France, Masters in Environmental Science from Yale University, USA. He is currently working on building new businesses for the company. He is the CEO of the Advanced Materials Division, which focuses on manufacturing products for Human protection, infrastructure development, mass transport, industrial processes and environmental protection

Mr. Pradeep Mukherjee

Senior Consultant with Gherzi Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.

He has nearly four decades of experience in India’s leading home-textile companies. He was President (Global Sales & Marketing) with Himatsingka Seide . In the earlier assignment, he worked with Bombay Dyeing where he was VP (Supply Chain and Planning) and VP Exports. Mr. Mukherjee is an alumnus of IIT (Delhi) and earned his Diploma in Management Studies from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Mumbai.

Dr. Prabir Jana

Professor, NIFT (Moderator)

Dr. Prabir Jana, a visionary in technology development and management in apparel manufacturing. After working for apparel manufacturers and buying houses for 3 years, he joined NIFT and is associated with National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi since last twenty three years. Currently, he is the Head of Research at NIFT. Prabir Jana is a graduate in Textile Technology from Calcutta University, postgraduate in Garment Manufacturing Technology from National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi and PhD from The Nottingham Trent University, UK.

Dr. P.G. Patil

Director, CIRCOT

He is M.Tech. (Post-Harvest Engineering) from IIT, Kharagpur and Ph.D. from VNIT, Nagpur. His key research achievements include handling about 20 National and International projects. He has developed and commercialized 17 Novel Technologies on processing of cotton, by-product utilisation and nano-cellulose production from cotton linters.He has commissioned a Nanotechnology Pilot Plant for nanocellulose production which is First in India and 5th in the World.

Mr. Prem Malik

Vice Chairman: NSL Textiles Ltd (MODERATOR)

Mr. Malik has got a vast experience of 52 years in Textile & Clothing at Top Management. He is Director on the Board of many companies like Indocount Industries Ltd, Ginni International Ltd, GTN Textiles Ltd etc. In the past, he was Chairman of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council, Bombay Textile Research Association and Vice Chairman of The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council.

Dr. Rajesh Anandjiwala

Chief Researcher, CSIR Port Elizabeth

Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Leeds, England in Textile Engineering. He has 7 years of research and development experience in the textile industry in India and 7 years in academic research in the US. He has published more than 85 peer-reviewed journal papers, his current H index is 23 and he has presented about 50 papers in various international seminars and conferences.

Mr. Rajeev Baruah

Country Director, Better Cotton Initiative

Mr. Rajeev has been one of the pioneers of the Organic Cotton in India. He has more than two decades of experience in working, directly with cotton farmers, ginners and spinners. He has been working very closely with several retailers, brands, leading cotton scientists/ researchers of the country.

Ms. Rebecca Pandolph

Statistician, International Cotton Advisory Committee

She develops estimates of world cotton lint supply and demand and prepares frequent written and oral reports for a variety of audiences on the cotton sector. Previously she worked as senior international trade analyst with the U.S. Department of Commerce, specializing in anti dumping duties for Chinese manufacturing products. Ms. Pandolph has a M.A. in International Economic Affairs from George Washington University and a B.A. in Economics and French from the Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. R. Viswanathan

Marketing Consultant, Former Indian Ambassador, LAC Consultant

He was Ambassador of India to Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. He was Consul at Consulate General of India, Sao Paulo. He was holding various posts in Indian missions at New York, Mauritius, Libya, Pakistan and Portugal. Has Expertise in Latin American markets and published various articles about market study, guide for business with Latin America.

Mr. Rahul Mehta

President CMAI (MODERATOR)

Mr. Mehta began his business career in 1982 and is Managing Director of the Creative Group. His expertise and respect enjoyed within the Industry is well recognized by all the leading institutions and serving the industry in various capacities. Currently, he is the President of The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), a post he has been elected to in 2016 for the Sixth term.

Shri Ravikant Kapoor

Moderator

Mr Ravikant Kapur, Chairman of Grentex & Company Pvt. Ltd., who Manufacture and Export Wool tops, Woollen carded and Worsted yarn, is a Government Recognized Star Export House. Mr Kapur is a Commerce Graduate from Mumbai University and self trained entrepreneur with 50 years experience in the wool Industry. He is a member of the Managing Committee of Indian Woollen Mills’ Federation & Chairman Emeritus of Wool Research Association. He is also founder and former Chairman and currently a Managing Committee member of Wooltexpro (Wool Industry Export Promotional Organisation).

Dr. Rajesh Anandjiwala

Chief Researcher, CSIR, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Dr. Rajesh Anandjiwala was awarded Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Leeds, England in Textile Engineering. He has 7 years of Research and Development experience in the textile industry in India and 7 years in academic research in the US. He has published more than 85 peer-reviewed journal papers, his current H index is 23 and he has presented about 50 papers in various international seminars and conferences.

Mrs.Ritu Sethi

Chairperson, Craft Revival Trust

She is Chairperson of the Craft Revival Trust and Editor of the principal online encyclopedia on traditional arts, crafts and textiles. She serves as an advisor on national and international policy groups on culture, crafts and heritage. She currently holds advisory roles and is a member on several policy groups including at INTACH, ABICHU (Ministry of Culture), and on two UNESCO Cat II centers - CRIHAP in China and IRCI in Japan.

Prof. Rohana U Kuruppu

CEO, Brandix College of Clothing Technology, Sri Lanka

Mr. Kuruppu is a Textile graduate and Master of Science in Textiles from University of Strathclyde, UK, Doctorate in Technology - Open University Sri Lanka, Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) - RMIT University, Australia, Adjunct Professor of the School of fashion and Textiles of the RMIT University, Fellow of the Textile Institute, UK and a Chartered Textile Technologist.

Mr. Richard Mccallum

Managing Director, UK India Business Council India Pvt. Ltd

He has been MD of UK India Business Council India Pvt. Ltd. (UKIBC) since Aug, 2013 and has responsibility for all UKIBC’s India operations. He is a graduate of the universities of Durham (History) and Cambridge (International Relations). He was a Founder Director of Flying Fox, an innovative adventure tourism company. Richard is on the Advisory Council of the British Standards Institution in India.

Mr. RCM Reddy

CEO, IL&FS

Mr. RCM Reddy is the CEO of IL&FS, In-charge of social infrastructure group covering Education, Employability and Employment initiatives. He brings with him 25 years of diverse experience of working with government, private sector and multilateral institutions. As part of the Employability initiatives in IL&FS, he has conceptualized and executed large scale skill development programs for the industry, in partnership and funding support from the Government and the private sectors, impacting 1.6 million youth.

Ms. Ramedevi Kannegant

President, Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India, Hyderabad

Mrs.Kanneganti Rama Devi is the Founder and President of Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India(formerly known as ALEAP). Being an educator, business consultant, social worker and a successful Indian entrepreneur, she is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. With a transformative idea, she initiated an exclusive Industrial Estate for Women in India at Gajularamaram,Hyderabad. The estate has been acclaimed as the best and 1st Industrial estate for women in India under public and private partnership.

Ms. Rekha Mann

Patiala Phulklari Cluster, Patiala, Punjab

She is President - The Patiala Handicraft W.C.I.SLtd., Head – Phulkari Cluster Patiala, Chairperson – Kajal International (Export Company). She has 25 years experience in Empowerment of Women with Special Focus on Rural Craft, Handling of Training Programs, Master Trainer of many Government projects including textile projects. She also has experience in working on NABARD projects.

Mr. Rene VAN BERKEL

UNIDO Representative, Regional Office India

Mr. René VAN BERKEL (PhD) heads the Regional Office of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). René has 28 years professional experience in resource efficiency and cleaner production, industrial productivity and sustainability. He provided oversight for the global RECP programme, guided establishment and operation of the global RECP network and initiated thematic work on eco-industrial parks and RECP methods and tools. He was also a key resource on green industry policy, low carbon and climate resilient industry and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in particular in Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia.

Mr. Rakesh Biyani

Joint M.D, Future Retail Group

Mr. Biyani has been one of the founders of Future Group. He has done an Advanced Management Program course from Harvard Business School and is a commerce graduate from HR College, Mumbai. He leads the management and expansion of the future retail groups flagship formats like, Central, Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar.

Ms. Rosy Greenlees

President World Crafts Council

She is Executive Director, Crafts Council which is a national agency responsible for promoting and developing contemporary craft nationally and internationally. Previously she was Director, London Centre for Arts and Cultural Enterprise, Cultural Strategy Manager of Greater London Authority, Deputy Chief Executive and Director, Visual and Media Arts Department. She holds MA Cultural and Creative Industries from King’s College London, BA Honours from Humanities with Art History, Open University. She is member of a number of professional bodies, committees and boards.

Sh Rajen D Udeshi

President (Polyester Chain) Reliance

Rajen Udeshi, a Cost Accountant by academic qualification is holding position as President Polyester Chain in Reliance Industries Ltd. He has started his journey with Reliance since 1984. He is responsible for Polyester Chain Business and has contributed largely to Reliance Industries Ltd to become a global leader in Polyester Business. He also holds the position as President, Association of Synthetics Fibre Industry.

Mr. Rahul Mehta

Managing Director, Creative Group.(MODERATOR)

Mr. Mehta began his business career in 1982 and is Managing Director of the Creative Group. His expertise and respect enjoyed within the Industry is well recognized by all the leading institutions and serving the industry in various capacities. Currently, he is the President of The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), a post he has been Elected to in 2016 for the Sixth term.

Mr. Rajeev Sethi

Padma Bhushan,Founder of Asian Heritage Foundation

Mr. Rajeev Sethi is South Asia’s leading designer and is noted internationally for innovative contribution to preserving and celebrating the subcontinent’s rich cultural heritage. For more than 35 years, through his work in design and architecture, he has identified ways to bring contemporary relevance to traditional skills. He worked with Pierre Cardin, Paris and was mentored by designers like Ray and Charles Eames and eminent Gandhians like Mrs Chottapadhya and Pupul Jayakar.

Mr. Rajesh Mahajan

Founder of Maspar brand in India

He graduated from Shriram College of Commerce, and joined the family business of manufacturing and export of textile made-ups. After successfully enhancing the export business, he started the brand Maspar in India by opening their first exclusive store in New Delhi in 2002 and has built-up the brand with the National presence.

Dr, Rajah Vijay kumar

Scientist Erode Pilot Project for Effluent Treatment

He is Bachelor of Science, a post graduate in Microelectronics and a Doctor of Science in Medical Engineering. A pioneering researcher and an opinion leader in the field of Biophysics, Radiobiology, Nanotechnology, Water Recovery and Management and Sustainable Energy. Specialised in Electronics and Medical Engineering.Among the many patents held by him include the Realistic Geometry Cartographic Imaging (RGCI) which finds applications from medical science to tsunami detection.

Mr. Rakesh Biyani

Joint Managing Director, Future Retail Limited

He is the Joint Managing Director of Future Retail Limited and leads the management and expansion of the company’s flagship formats like, Central, Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar. He has been one of the founders of Future Group. Mr Biyani is actively involved in Category Management, Retail Stores Operations and Information Technology.He has done an Advanced Management Program course from Harvard Business School and is a commerce graduate from HR College, Mumbai.

Mr. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu

CMD, Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd

Mr. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, is an MBA from Philadelphia University, USA. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. Coimbatore, one of the three leading Textile Machinery Manufacturers in the world, manufacturing the complete range of textile spinning machinery.

Mr. Sumit Gupta

Dy, Director, ‘Standards & QA’ –India Bangladesh, Global Organci Textile Standard

He is a Chemical & Social Compliance expert in Textile Processing. His rich experience in Sustainability Management, Eco-Fashion, Chemical Compliance, Technical Certification and Eco-Labels made him to contribute towards creating awareness in Social & Environmental compliances in textile industry in India and Bangladesh.

Mr. Sujal K. Som

Director, Quality Assurance, Raymond Limited, Thane, Maharashtra

He is M.Tech. in Textile Technology. During his tenure in Raymond, he has developed various new products including flax fabrics and garments.

Prof. Swapan Kumar Ghosh

Professor and Head of the Department, Institute of Jute Technology, University of Calcutta. (Moderator)

Research work done in manufacturing of Woven and Nonwoven Jute Geotextiles and studies of its structural aspects alongwith its application of different geotechnical areas. He has published more than thirty research papers. Authored a book “Technical Handbook on Jute Processing (Jute Winding to Jute Finishing), Part-2, Factory Side”.

Shri Suresh Kotak

Chairman of Indian Society for Cotton Improvement. (MODERATOR)

He has been serving Cotton and Textiles Business in various capacities since last 60 years. He has a special interest in Research and Innovation. He officiated as Chairman of Consortium advisory Committee for a project mooted by World Bank namely, “A Value Chain for Cotton Fibre, seed and stock: An innovation project for higher economic returns for farmers and allied stakeholders”. He has been connected with various Commodity Associations, Chambers of Commerce, NGO’s, International Cotton Advisory Committee. He was President of Cotton Association of India and International Chamber of Commerce. He was conferred Cotton and Finance merit award by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi for his work in Cotton and General Business.

Sh. S.K. Som

Director, Quality Assurance & Technical Services, Raymond Ltd

He is Director, Quality Assurance, Raymond Limited, He is M.Tech and has more than 30 years experience in worsted industry. Since 1986 he has worked in Raymond in various areas such as Manufacturing, Quality Assurance & Technical Services areas. He has developed many exotic new products in Raymond, some of which are sold under Raymond prestigious Chairman’s collections.

Dr Subhas V Naik

Director, Central Silk Technology Research Institute

He is PhD in Textile Technology with 28 years experience in Post Cocoon Technology in Silk Sector. He was associated in developing Bivoline Silk Reeling Technology package for Import Substitute Silk Production He was associated in developing Multiend Reeling Machines, Indigenous Automatic Reeling Machines under Make in India Programme. He also developed Vanya silk reeling machines, Buniyaad Reeling machine to eradicate thigh reeling.

Mr Sunil Arora

CEO IMPLUSE Buying House

Economics graduate with post graduations in Business Economics from Delhi University and International Trade from IIFT. Sourcing experience of 38 years in exports of textiles, fashion accessories, home and footwear. CEO of Impulse, a pioneering sourcing organisation since 1982 committed to managing sourcing from India for various international brands and retailers such as Next and Debenhams.

Mr. Simon Rein

Program Manager, Google Arts + Culture, UK Ltd

Mr. Simon Rein serves as the Program Manager for Google Arts & Culture in India, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He manages projects in partnership with museums, archives and other cultural institutions to make art and cultural heritage accessible online. Mr. Rein studied German Literature, Philosophy and Economics, and holds an M.A. from Free University Berlin.

Dr. Shalini Sud

Professor, Master of Design & Head International &Domestic Linkages NIFT New Delhi, India (Moderator)

She joined in NIFT in 1995 and she is one of a senior faculty member of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). As a design faculty Shalini’s area of interest has spanned through Illustrations, Design Methodology, Fashion as a Language, Cultural Studies, Design Research, Sustainable Studies for handicrafts to Trend Research & Forecasting. An alumunus of Fashion Design Department, NIFT New Delhi (3rd batch 1993), she graduated with gold medal. She holds a Masters degree in Fashion Studies from London College of Fashion, UK in 2000 and a Ph.D. from NIFT New Delhi in 2015. She was also trained at FIT New York USA and NTU Nottingham UK. Trends research has been her area of interest for the past 8 years.

Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal

Executive Director, The Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council

He has vast experience of over three decades in matters relating to international trade in textile and clothing. Previously, he served as Director, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).He has thus had the unique distinction of serving the entire gamut of the textile value chain from yarns to garments. He has been a member of several Indian delegations/negotiating groups sent by the Government of India to USA, European Union, and the WTO to discuss various aspects of bilateral and multilateral trade in the textile and clothing sector under the MFA and ATC regimes.

Ms. Smita Ajay Yeole

MD, Orietnal Weaving & Processing Mills Pvt Ltd

She is Managing Director of M/s Oriental Weaving and Processing Mills Pvt Ltd,(OWPM) ,Managing Director in M/s Hardik Founders & Engineers Pvt Ltd, Pune,(HFEPL), General Manager (Administration) of M/s Aras Metal Castings, Pune, Managing Partner in M/s Sara Metal Castings. She is first lady to sign a TOT for Lakshya Parachutes. She has done a number of developments in various types of parachutes being used by Ministry of Defence.

Dr. Sunil Shukla

Director, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director of Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad, is a distinguished entrepreneurship educator, researcher and institution-builder. His pioneering work and research studies in entrepreneurship have been successfully adapted in the form of modules, programmes and developmental interventions. He is on the Board of several organizations and Government Departments besides being the National Team Leader of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, (GEM) India, since 2012.

Mr. Siddharth Bindra

Managing Director, BIBA

Mr. Bindra is a promoter and Managing Director of BIBA. He has around 20 year of experience in the Textile and Apparel Industry. BIBA today has over 230 exclusive stores present in over 105 cities pan India. It is also available in large format stores such as Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Pantaloons and Central, Myntra, Jabong, Amazon, etc.

Mr. Sushil Kapoor

President & CEO SRF Limited (Moderator)

He is a Mechanical Engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and has been with the SRF Group for three and a half decades. During the course of his association with the group he has worked for diverse industries such as Auto Electricals, Fluro Chemicals and Technical Textiles.

Mr. Sunil Kr. Baranwal

Secretary to CM – Government of Jharkhand

Mr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal is a 1997 batch IAS Officer from Jharkhand Cadre. He is an Engineering graduate from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. As Secretary of Department of Industries, Mines and Geology, he spearheaded the investment promotion initiative and successfully organised first "Momentum Jharkhand: Global Investor Summit" in Ranchi. He is instrumental in devising the strategy for attracting investments in the State of Jharkhand and developing iconic projects such as Textile Park, Plastic Park, EMC Cluster, IT Park in Jharkhand.

Mr. Siva Devireddy

Founder & CEO M/S GoCoop,

Mr. Devireddy has over 14 years of experience in Information Technology and Business Consulting with large corporations across the globe. Siva is passionate about technology innovations that drive social and economic inclusion of people at the bottom of the pyramid. He is Founder and CEO of GoCoop, which is a global marketplace for Handloom and Handicraft weavers and artisans.

Mr. S.B. Dangayach

Managing Director M/S Sintex Industries Ltd. & Chairman of Heelwell International Ltd.

Mr. S.B. Dangayach is distinguished alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad. He is a passionate proponent of green, clean and sustainable development and has put in lifetime efforts to evolve products and solutions in domains of water, wastewater, affordable housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, waste management and health

Mr. Toshinorie Haruna

AGM, Textile Division, Sumitomo Corporation, Japan

He has expertise in Indian textiles with 32 years global textile experience in buying & testing. He is keen to promote India’s product ranges especially handloom, organic items. He has been instrumental in bringing Japan’s top retailer UNIQLO to source from India. He authored a book on ASEAN / Logistics Published by Bunkyodo.

Mr Vikas Mohatta

MD, Felt & Technical Textiles, Jaipur

He is a Commerce graduate and M.D of M/s. Felt & Technical Textile, Jaipur. The firm is engaged in rural development by various direct programs related to economic activities. The company provides knowledge to rural weavers for activities of carpet, durries & Handicrafts. The company is involved in local sheep-wool procurement, processing related activates.

Mr. Yogesh Chaudhary

Owner Jaipur Rugs

Mr.Yogesh Chaudhary works towards international benchmarks to achieve organizational excellence. His expertise in international marketing has led to the expansion of the company from 2 to more than 45 countries in a decade. A management student from Boston College, USA, Yogesh’s entrepreneurial abilities and deep knowledge of the rug business has guided Jaipur Rugs foray into positioning the company as a global leader in manufacturing and exporting exclusive, designer hand- knotted rugs worldwide.

Mr Y. J Kim

Senior Consultant - Asia PTA, DMT, Polyesters PCI Wood Mackenzie, Malaysia

After joining PCI in 2000, which transformed to PCI Wood Mackenzie in 2016, he conducted in-depth analysis on textiles chains in India and China, Asia PTA Competitiveness etc. His specialization stems from 15 years of experience with a PTA producer in Korea, as finance and business manager responsibilities. He has a total experience of 32 years in polyester and raw materials.