INTERVIEW
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THE TEXTILE AND FASHION INDUSTRY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF AN ACCOMPLISHED EDUCATIONIST
Dr. Ela Manoj Dedhia
Dr. Ela has been contributing to the Textile and Fashion industry for 38 years. With her immense educational background and experience as an educationist, researcher, consultant, advisor, designer and social worker, she highlights the changes the industry is going through bringing to light the conscious consumers and how designers, stylists, manufacturers, retailers, academicians and consumers are ecologically helping to make changes to contribute to a better universe.
Head of Department at Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science
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an you share your Educational and Professional Journey with us? I am currently the Incharge Principal, IQAC Coordinator, President of IIC- Innovation Cell and Head of Department of the Textile & Fashion Technology at College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, affiliated to University of Mumbai, NAAC Accredited A Grade. I have committed 38 vital years in the dynamic field of Textile, Fashion and Apparel Education. I acquired Ph.D. in Home Science, Clothing and Textiles from SNDT Women’s University in 1996; M.Sc in Home Science, Textile Chemistry & Clothing with a 2nd Rank at the University of Mumbai in 1983 along with Masters Research at UDCT (now Institute of Chemical Technology); B.Sc in Home Science, Textiles & Clothing, from the University of Mumbai in 1981; P. G. Diploma in Education Management where I topped at the SNDT Women’s University in 1997; P. G. Diploma in Higher Education from University of Mumbai in 1984; Diploma in Textile Designing from
Rachna Sansad 1985, Diploma in Computer Aided Design and various technical skill based courses accomplished between 1998 to 2002. I completed Diploma and Certificate in Jainism from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Mumbai in 1998, completed Diploma and Certificate in Sanskrit from Department of Sanskrit in 1999. I am currently studying Universal Human Values through AICTE & NCC-IP right from the start of the Pandemic period to date. I believe in continuous education and therefore will always remain a student. I am blessed with Great Gurus in the past and present to date and hence could pursue personal and professional life simultaneously with continuous education. After Post-graduation, I began my teaching career in 1983 in the Department of Textiles & Clothing at College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, affiliated to University of Mumbai, NAAC Accredited A Grade. I have grown in this Institution due to the varied exposure that I had within and outside the Institution. I have been an advisor and consultant to educational institutions across India. I believe in working in continuity towards education and
empowerment of the youth. Connected with various organizations and Institutions, my activities also focus on training the physically and mentally challenged; the tribal, rural and urban under privileged women and youth; and the various artisan clusters in the country. I consider this as my responsibility. I am the Recipient of the Fellow of the Textile Association of India; the Bronze Medal of Society of Dyers & Colorist, UK.; and the Kutch Shakti Award. I have consulted technical research projects for UNDP, Ministry of Environment and Textiles on Natural Dyes; Khadi and Village Industries Commission for Yarn, Fabric, Apparel and Product development; University Grants Commission (UGC) for Craft researches and several others; Corporate Industries for strategies and design; Rural Crafts Clusters for imparting income generating skills. I have organized many State, National and International Conferences /Seminars /Workshops. I have authored over 100 papers in reputed National, International Journals and been an invited speaker at Conferences in India and Abroad; authored two books – 1. Ajrakh- Expressions and ImpresJANUARY 2021
