Addressing at CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 on 17th Feb. 2025, Hon'ble Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for the Ministry of Textiles, stated that on behalf of the Ministry, I thank everyone for making Bharat Tex 2025 a resounding success.
The event was a triumph with over 1 lakh attendees, 5,000+ group activities, and 6,000 international buyers. We were also honored by the Prime Minister's presence, who challenged us to triple the textile industry's volume by 2030. The ministry pledges its support in achieving this goal under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Param Adityanath.
This evening's award ceremony, followed by a fashion show by Citi (where I've been coerced into a show-stopping role!), celebrates the industry's commitment to sustainability and security innovation.
In today's world, responsible and ethical practices are paramount, and we must not only meet but exceed these expectations. I commend the Indian textile industry, particularly Citi, for its dedication to excellence.
The Citi Global Economic and Textile Research Foundation Award recognizes contributors across the region. By focusing on sustainability, Citi champions responsible practices, honoring pioneers in various fields like water conservation, renewable energy, and circular innovation. These awards are a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace best practices and foster a resilient, eco-friendly textile ecosystem.
Hailing from Assam, with its rich textile heritage, I'm proud of our Muga silk, also known as Ahimsa silk. Its creativity-free production, supporting a circular economy, makes it a global model for eco-friendly textiles.
While circularity and sustainability have become recent buzzwords, they've been integral to Indian culture for centuries. Our Haldun tradition, for example, exemplifies this with its zero-waste production and preservation of cultural heritage.
These values are reflected in the award categories, recognizing leaders in various sustainable practices. Sustainability is not just about impact; it's about regeneration, innovation, and leadership. These awards inspire us toward a cleaner textile industry.
Congratulations to all winners, nominees, and participants, and thank you to the jury. Your contributions are shaping the future of Indian textiles. Let us move forward with determination, sustainability, and excellence, building a future where Indian textiles shine globally, both in beauty and responsibility.