By — Dilip Guha
The Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC), under the Ministry of Textiles, marked a significant milestone in its revival journey by launching its inaugural heritage designer collection, “Soul Threads,” at an exhibition.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated on April 24, 2026, by Mrs Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary (Textiles). The occasion was graced 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 from the Ministry of Textiles and other eminent guests.
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 draws 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, offered 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 serves as a hub for innovation, experimentation, and design development across apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.
The fashion presentation was structured around three thematic sequences:
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, striking a balance between tradition and contemporary expression.
Maati (माटी)
Inspired by 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. Rooted in sustainability and upcycling, the collection reimagined leftover fabrics, extending their lifecycle while promoting environmentally conscious design practices.
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.”
The exclusive exhibition will be held from April 24 to May 10, 2026, at CCIC’s flagship showroom located 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.
