India’s MoS Pabitra Margherita champions sustainability at CITI Awards

In his address, Margherita emphasised the crucial role of sustainability in the textile industry and commended the efforts of organisations and individuals for their exemplary contributions. He remarked, "CITI holds a distinctive position, and its leadership has consistently provided unwavering support to the Ministry of Textiles. I am confident that CITI will persist in serving the needs of India and the wider world, enhancing our competitiveness. I hold the highest regard for the remarkable initiatives undertaken by CITI. The organisation will undoubtedly inspire the youth in the industry to chart a roadmap for the country’s growth."

CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 was held at Bharat Tex 2025 in New Delhi, celebrating significant achievements in sustainable practices. The event, graced by MoS for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, featured his keynote address and his role as a showstopper in a fashion showcase of sustainable heritage weaves. The awards recognised various organisations for their efforts in different areas.

Margherita’s participation as the showstopper in a showcase of India’s sustainable heritage weaves at Bharat Tex 2025 was a key highlight of the evening. The fashion sequence, titled ‘Earth loom – Threads of Heritage’, was curated by renowned designer Daniel Syiem from Shillong and presented by Aalekh Foundation in collaboration with CITI. The showcase celebrated India’s finest sustainable textiles reimagined for the global stage.

Sharing his experience on his X timeline, Margherita wrote, "It was indeed a proud moment to wear our identity, the Eri silk, at the show and present it to a diverse audience." The Minister also lauded the fashion show, acknowledging CITI and Aalekh Foundation’s efforts in celebrating India’s rich textile traditions.

The event also featured keynote addresses from senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles, including Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, secretary; Rohit Kansal, IAS, additional secretary; and Prajakta L Verma, IAS, joint secretary.

Award Winners

The CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 featured several categories, each recognising excellence in different aspects of sustainability. Under the CITI Birla Economic & Textile Research Foundation Awards, the Innovative Water Management and Conservation Award was given to Jeyavishnu Clothing Private Limited. Similarly, the Leadership in Renewable Energy Integration Award was given to Premier Mills Private Limited, and the Excellence in Carbon Emissions Reduction Award to Radnik Exports Global Private Limited. The Excellence in Waste Reduction and Circular Innovation Leadership Award went to Indo Count Industries Ltd.

Under the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards, the Reverse Resources Best Recyclers Award was given to Sitaram Spinners Private Limited, the Best Alternate Materials Use Award to Raymond UCO Denim Private Limited, and the Best Sustainable Retail Practices Award to Indo Count Industries Ltd. The Textile Heritage Reviver Award went to Dastkar, the Best HR Practices Award to Gokaldas Exports Limited, the Kasturi Ginner Award to Ram Agro, and the Best Regenerative Cotton Farming Practice Award to Swapnil Gunwant Shelki. The Best Academic Institution Contribution to Textile and Clothing Sustainability Award was given to National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, and the Best Academic Institution Educational Contribution to Textile and Clothing Sustainability Award to Goa Institute of Management. The Best Woman Entrepreneur Award went to Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyu.

CITI’s Exemplary Service Awards were given to P D Patodia – past chairman, CITI; chairman & MD, Prime Urban Development India Ltd, S P Oswal – chairman & MD, Vardhman Textiles Ltd, R K Dalmia – past chairman, CITI; MD, Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (formerly Century Textiles & Industries Ltd) and Jagdish Chandran – chairman, Premier Mills Pvt Ltd.

Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Rakesh Mehra, chairman of CITI, remarked, “These awards are a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of sustainability. It is heartening to witness the transformative efforts made by textile companies, setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)