The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) organized its 5th Convocation Ceremony in Hyderabad. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his convocation address, the Minister highlighted India’s progress in manufacturing, innovation and skill development.

He noted the contribution of the footwear and leather sector to employment generation, exports and growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He encouraged the graduating students to adopt technology, sustainability and design innovation in strengthening India’s global competitiveness.

Managing Director, FDDI, Shri Vivek Sharma (IRS), congratulated the graduates and reiterated the institute’s commitment to developing globally competent professionals. He urged students to uphold innovation, sustainability, ethical practices and design thinking in their professional journey.

The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Executive Director, FDDI Hyderabad, Dr. Tej Lohit Reddy (IAS), who outlined the growth of the Hyderabad campus since its establishment in 2018. He highlighted the development of the Centre of Excellence, modern laboratories and strengthened industry collaborations. The Batch of 2025 comprised 72 graduating students from Fashion Design, Footwear Design, Leather Goods and Accessories Design, and Management programmes.

Gold and silver medals were awarded to meritorious students in recognition of academic excellence. The convocation oath was administered and degrees were conferred upon the graduates in the presence of dignitaries, faculty members, industry representatives and parents.

The speakers noted that FDDI continues to contribute to the footwear, leather, fashion and retail ecosystem through skill development, research, innovation and industry engagement. The institute remains focused on promoting sustainable practices, entrepreneurship and adherence to global standards in design and manufacturing.

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Abhijiith Narayanan/Shabbir Azad/Anushka Pandey

Skill development and sustainability urged to boost competitiveness through technology, design innovation and industry collaboration for graduates. FDDI's 5th convocation conferred degrees and academic medals across programmes, with the institute stressing its contribution to skill development, research, innovation and industry engagement in the footwear, leather, fashion and retail ecosystem. Speakers urged adoption of technology, sustainability and design innovation to enhance global competitiveness, noted sectoral support for employment and MSME growth, and highlighted Hyderabad campus developments including a Centre of Excellence, modern laboratories and strengthened industry collaborations.