Ahmedabad: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh on Thursday said India's textile sector is a major source of employment and that textiles and technology will play a crucial role in taking the country forward.

Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force, was speaking at the 40th foundation day of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar.

Highlighting the strategic importance of textiles, he cited India's move towards self-reliance in textile production, including the indigenisation of specialised flying clothing and protective gear for the Air Force. “Such progress is possible because of pioneering academic institutions like NIFT, which strengthen the nation economically and enhance India's global reputation,” he said.

He noted that many leading professionals in the fashion industry are NIFT alumni and encouraged students to carry forward this legacy by becoming responsible contributors to sustainable fashion and national development.

NIFT Gandhinagar Director Dr Sameer Sood said the institute's alumni hold senior leadership positions across industries and described the 40th Foundation Day as significant for India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.