Dr Vidhu Sekhar P
Marking Raymond’s centenary celebrations, students from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Daman campus, undertook an academic visit to the company’s Khadki plant in Gujarat. Master of Fashion Management students from the 1st and 3rd semesters participated in the visit, gaining first-hand exposure to the textile manufacturing process and valuable insights into industry practices.
As part of the plant tour, the students were given a step-by-step demonstration of the textile manufacturing journey, starting from raw wool processing to the creation of the final finished fabric. The session began with an introduction to fiber selection, scouring, and carding, where impurities are removed and fibers are aligned. This was followed by spinning, in which the clean fibers are converted into fine-quality yarn.
The tour then moved to the weaving and knitting sections, where students observed how yarns are interlaced using advanced looms to produce different fabric structures. The dyeing and finishing processes were explained in detail, showcasing how fabrics are treated, colored, and enhanced to achieve durability and luster. The signature Raymond quality. Special emphasis was given to the company’s quality checks and sustainability practices at each stage of production.
Along with the technical walkthrough, the students also received a comprehensive briefing on the plant layout, infrastructure, and facilities, which illustrated how efficiency, technology, and worker welfare are integrated into operations. The visit was coordinated and enriched by senior officials from HR, Operations, and the Plant team, who not only guided the tour but also provided context on industrial best practices and workforce management.
An engaging interactive Q&A session formed a key highlight of the visit, providing students with the opportunity to understand deeper into critical themes shaping the global and Indian textile industries. The discussions covered contemporary challenges such as global tariff structures and trade barriers, while also reflecting on industry best practices that strengthen competitiveness and sustainability. The dialogue aligned with India’s larger national narrative, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, that emerges as a global leader in manufacturing and innovation. Industry experts from Raymond emphasized how the textile sector, with its deep roots in tradition and modern technological advancements, would play a pivotal role in achieving this vision.
This dynamic exchange helped students connect classroom knowledge with real-world industry perspectives. The Raymond team extended a warm welcome to the students with hot coffee on arrival, later hosting them to a full-course lunch. Speaking about the experience, faculty members accompanying the students noted that the visit was a delightful blend of learning and hospitality, leaving lasting impressions on the young managers in training.
By opening its doors to future professionals, Raymond not only celebrated its milestone year but also set a fine example of how Corporate Social Responsibility and academia-industry partnerships can help nurture the next generation of fashion leaders in India’s fashion and textile sector. Acknowledging the gesture, Dr. Brijesh Deore, Director of NIFT Daman, appreciated the Raymond Group for creating a meaningful learning experience for the students.
