Shillong, March 9 : The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong inaugurated its much-anticipated annual festival Fashion Spectrum 2026 with a colourful and energetic opening ceremony at its campus in Umsawli, Mawpat, Shillong. The festival this year is themed “ZAP!”, symbolising a burst of creativity, energy, and innovation among students.
Fashion Spectrum is an annual celebration held across NIFT campuses nationwide, bringing together students from various institutions to showcase their creativity through cultural, literary, environmental, and sporting events. The festival serves as a platform for young talents to engage in creative expression and collaborative learning.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Bamin Tarang, Director of Human Resource Development & Employment at the North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretariat, Shillong, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Tarang praised the innovative theme and highlighted the importance of creative thinking in shaping the future of design and innovation. He encouraged students to embrace individuality and use their creativity to bring meaningful change to society and the design industry.
Tarang also emphasised the rich cultural heritage of the North East and called for sustained efforts to preserve and promote traditional crafts through contemporary design and innovation.
Earlier, Dr. Brijesh Madhukar Deore, Director of NIFT Shillong, welcomed the gathering and described the festival as a celebration of teamwork, leadership, and the transformative power of creative education. He urged students to embrace the spirit of creativity and make Spectrum 2026 a memorable experience.
The event was also attended by Rima Sonar, Assistant Director at the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and Albert Malniang, General Manager at the District Centre for Information Systems (DCIS).
The inaugural ceremony concluded with vibrant song and dance performances by NIFT Shillong students, setting the tone for a festival filled with competitions, discussions, artistic showcases, and sports activities.
Organisers said Fashion Spectrum 2026 aims to inspire creativity and innovation while providing students with opportunities to explore new ideas and express themselves through art, design, and culture.
