The Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA) recently commemorated its 72nd Foundation Day, a milestone event that celebrated its long-standing legacy while unveiling a strategic roadmap for the future of India's textile industry. The milestone celebration featured a dedicated session on the Maharashtra Government's Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-2028, signalling a new era for the textiles industry, particularly technical textiles in the region.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles (Govt. of Maharashtra). Accompanying him were Shri Shrikrishna Pawar, Deputy Secretary (Textile); Shri Tushar Pawar, Deputy Secretary (Sericulture); Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, MD, The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI); and Shri Avinash Misar, Director & CEO, Coreshield Industries Pvt. Ltd.

From left to right: Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, MD, CCI, Shri Shrikrishna Pawar, Deputy Secretary (Textile), Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Narendra Dalmia, Dy. Chairman, BTRA Governing Council, Hon'ble Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles (Government of Maharashtra), Dr T. V. Sreekumar, Director, BTRA

Dr T. V. Sreekumar, Director, BTRA, highlighted the association’s evolution from a conventional research body into a premier modern institute. During the address by Shri Narendra Dalmia, Dy. Chairman, BTRA Governing Council, provided a comprehensive overview of the current textile industry landscape, specifically focusing on the burgeoning field of Technical Textiles and the pivotal role BTRA has played in supporting manufacturers through R&D and quality assurance. 

Shri Narendra Dalmia, Dy. Chairman, BTRA Governing Council

Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister Shri Sanjay Savkare, addressing the audience

In the keynote address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Sanjay Savkare lauded BTRA’s seven-decade journey. He specifically appreciated the BTRA's contributions to the Indian textile industry and its proactive stance in adopting technical textile missions, which align with the state’s industrial goals. During his speech, he touched upon several critical topics like Circular Economy, Workforce Excellence and High-Tech Innovation.

The Government of Maharashtra is championing BTRA’s growth by actively supporting research and development initiatives at BTRA, particularly in the area of sustainable and advanced textile technologies. Key initiatives include facilitating a new  Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Plant in Amravati, led by BTRA to boost India's high-performance material capabilities and upgrading infrastructure at the BTRA Ghatkopar campus to expand modern research and testing facilities.

Dr T. V. Sreekumar, Director, BTRA, illustrating the BTRA journey over the last 72 years

Following the chief guest's speech, Dr T. V. Sreekumar, Director, BTRA, illustrated the BTRA journey over the last 72 years. He highlighted the association's transformation from a conventional research body into a modern premier institute, showcasing its pivotal contributions to R&D, testing, consultancy & training.

A definitive highlight of the celebration was the official inauguration of the  Carbon Fiber Precursor Carbonization Line by Textile Minister Shri Savkare. This facility represents a major technological leap for BTRA, positioning the institute as a leader in high-performance fibre R&D.

Inauguration of the Carbon Fiber Precursor Carbonization Line by Shri Savkare, Textile Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra

Elaborating Maharshtra state's Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-2028, Shri Shrikrishna Pawar, Deputy Secretary (Textile)

The event transitioned into an insightful discussion on the Maharashtra Government’s Technical Textile Mission & Policy Framework. The session underscored the state's Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-2028, fostering a dialogue on innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Released of two knowledge reports: From left to right - Dr T. V. Sreekumar, Director, BTRA, Shri Savkare, Textile Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra, Su.

Neha Gupta & Shri Vinit Parikh, IFBEC

During the event, the International Fashion Business Exchange Council (IFBEC) released two important knowledge reports to guide the industry’s transition: BioTex Fashion & Circularity Summit Report & India Circular Textile Blueprint 2030, focusing on recycling ecosystems and extended producer responsibility.

The event witnessed a robust turnout, with industry leaders and media partners attending both in person and virtually. Prominent dignitaries took the floor to express their appreciation for BTRA’s legacy of excellence and its consistent support of both traditional and modern textile sectors. 

The 72nd Foundation Day concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Prasanna K. Panda and a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. The event successfully demonstrated a strong alignment between government policy and BTRA’s institutional capabilities, reinforcing its position as a key driver of growth in India's technical textile ecosystem.