The CITI Sustainability Awards 2024–25 were presented by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) to honor and celebrate exceptional sustainability accomplishments in the Indian textile sector. Shri Pabitra Margherita, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, attended the event on February 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. She gave the inauguration speech and gave the awards to the worthy awardees.
In his speech, Shri Margherita underlined how important sustainability is to the textile sector and praised businesses and individuals for their outstanding achievements. “CITI has a unique position, and its leadership has continuously given the Ministry of Textiles unwavering support,” he said. I have faith that CITI will continue to improve our competitiveness while meeting the requirements of India and the global community. I have the utmost admiration for the outstanding efforts made by CITI. Without a doubt, the organization will motivate the young people working in the sector to create a growth blueprint for the nation.
At Bharat Tex 2025, which was also held at Bharat Mandapam, Shri Pabitra Margherita’s role as the showstopper in an exhibition of India’s sustainable heritage weaves was a major highlight of the event. Renowned Shillong designer Daniel Syiem created the fashion sequence, “Earthloom – Threads of Heritage,” which was presented by the Aalekh Foundation in association with CITI. India’s best sustainable textiles, redesigned for the international market, were showcased.
Sharing his experience on his X timeline, Shri 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: • Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary
• Shri Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary
• Smt. Prajakta L. Verma, IAS, Joint Secretary
Innovation Leadership Award: o Winner: Indo Count Industries Ltd
CITI Textile Sustainability Awards
• CITI-Reverse Resources Best Recyclers Award:
o Winner: Sitaram Spinners Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Oasis Textiles
o Second Runner-up: Maleema Eco Weaves
• CITI-IDH Best Alternate Materials Use Award:
o Winner: Raymond UCO Denim Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Usha Yarns Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Banofi Leather
• CITI-BSL Best Sustainable Retail Practices Award:
o Winner: Indo Count Industries Ltd
o First Runner-up: Eastman Exports Global Clothing Pvt Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Lafaani
• CITI-Aalekh Foundation Textile Heritage Reviver Award:
o Winner: Dastkar
o First Runner-up: 23:23 Designs & Sourcing Pvt Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Lahe Lifestyle
o Special Award: Ministry of Textiles, Meghalaya
• CITI-Rajesh Bheda Consulting Best HR Practices Award:
o Winner: Gokaldas Exports Limited
o First Runner-up: Raymond UCO Denim Pvt. Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Banswara Syntex Ltd., Garment Division
• CITI-TEXPROCIL Leading Kasturi Ginner Award:
o Winner: Ram Agro
o First Runner-up: Jayesh Cotsyn
o Second Runner-up: Gimatex Industries Pvt Ltd, Yerla Unit
• CITI-CDRA Best Regenerative Cotton Farming Practice Award:
o Winner: Shri Swapnil Gunwant Shelki (Supporting Agency: CITI CDRA)
o First Runner-up: Shri Pavra Mohit (Supporting Agency: Indo Count Industries) o Second Runner-up: Shri Rama (Supporting Agency: Pratibha Syntex)
o Third Runner-up: Hema Devi (Supporting Agency: CITI CDRA) o Fourth Runner-up: Tulsiram Lohare (Supporting Agency: Beetle Regen)
• CITI-Best Academic Institution Contribution to Textile and Clothing Sustainability Award: o Winner: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar
o Best Academic Institution Educational Contribution to Textile and Clothing Sustainability Award: Goa Institute of Management, Goa
o Runner-up: Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala
• Best Woman Entrepreneur Award:
o Winner: Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyu
• CITI’s Exemplary Service Awards:
o Shri P. D. Patodia – Past Chairman, CITI; Chairman & MD, Prime Urban Development India Ltd
o Shri S. P. Oswal – Chairman & MD, Vardhman Textiles Ltd.
o Shri R. K. Dalmia – Past Chairman, CITI; MD, Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd. (formerly Century Textiles & Industries Ltd.)
o Shri Jagdish Chandran – Chairman, Premier Mills Pvt. Ltd.
4. 8th FMC Award for Responsible BMOs
Felicitation of the Jury of the 8th FMC Award for Responsible BMOs (in partnership with CITI) and release of the BMO Case Study Booklet.
The awards ceremony showcased the industry’s commitment to sustainability, with winners demonstrating innovation, dedication, and positive impact. The recipients were lauded not only for their contributions to environmental conservation but also for their social responsibility initiatives and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Shri 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.”
The CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 reaffirmed the textile industry’s unwavering commitment to fostering a greener, more responsible, and sustainable future, aligning with global best practices and India’s ambitious sustainability goals.
