KIIT Student Activity Center (KSAC) organized Kaanchi-2025 with great enthusiasm to mark the 11th National Handloom Day on 7th August 2025. Hosted by Kzarshion – The Fashion Society of KSAC, the event served as a vibrant tribute to India’s rich legacy of handloom artistry. It brought together students, faculty, fashion leaders, and dignitaries in a lively celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Padma Shri Adwaita Gadanayak, Director-General, KIIT Art Academy; Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU; Prof. Himanshu Sekhar Khatua, Director-General, KSFT, KSFMS, KSMC; and Prof. Krishna Chakravarty, Dean, KSAC, graced the inaugural ceremony. A special highlight of Kaanchi-2025 was the presence of esteemed delegates from the City University of New York, who joined the event as international guests. They expressed their admiration for the vibrant culture and fashion of India showcased during the celebration, calling it an enriching and unforgettable experience that reflected the deep artistic spirit of Indian youth.
The event featured a stunning display of talent and tradition in the fashion show competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from 16 student teams representing various colleges across Odisha. Each team presented unique collections that seamlessly blended traditional handloom textiles with modern design sensibilities, capturing the essence of India’s cultural diversity and textile heritage. The competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising Ms. Zubina Ali, Chairperson of CII IWN and CEO of Juby’s Fashion House, and Ms. Lopamudra Beuria, renowned designer and entrepreneur.
Adding to the evening’s cultural flavor was an electrifying musical performance by Korus, the music society under KSAC, which captivated the audience with a soulful yet high-energy set, blending classical roots with contemporary rhythms. A vote of thanks by the student coordinator and a vibrant performance by the Kzarshion Central Team wrapped up the inaugural session on a high note.