Recently, India International Trade Fair (IITF) based on the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Unity by Trade” opened in Pragati Maidan from November 14th to 27th 2023 that showcased rich cultural heritage of India. This trade exhibition, which is held annually, provided a venue for showcasing a wide range of goods and services from numerous domestic and foreign enterprises. The motive of this expo was to advance commercial, trade, and investment prospects while also fostering cross-cultural interaction.

On the 22nd of November, the School of Design students visited the expo and witnessed the exhibitors and their works from India and other countries including the UAE, Iran, Turkey, and Thailand. It was an opportunity for the students to witness a global level platform that connects people from trade, industry, technology, marketing etc. The event was a dazzling convergence of global cultures attracting a huge crowd of buyers, traders, consumers, etc.

Countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and the UAE were on spectacular display, offering Delhiites authentic Afghan dry fruits, coveted Bangladeshi Jamdani sarees and exquisite Egyptian brassware among many other beautiful merchandise. Not only this but spectacular display from several Indian states took our breath away as we came across the intricacy, beauty and craftsmanship of the indigenous products telling stories of culture, passion, and years of hard work of the artisans.

Students learned about the criteria for selecting fabrics, colour accuracy checks, and the significance of maintaining consistency throughout the production cycle. They understood the importance of certifications like GOTS(Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS(Organic Content Standard) and BCI(Better Cotton Initiative).

The objective of this educational visit to IITF was to serve as a multifaceted learning experience, encompassing industry exposure, networking opportunities, skill development, and the application of academic knowledge in real-world contexts.