Surat: The 46th annual general meeting of the Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA) on Thursday witnessed heated exchanges over the lack of a dedicated higher-education institute for textile studies in the country’s largest man-made fabric hub.MANTRA is one of the eight national-level Textile Research Associations (TRA) approved by ministry of textile, govt of India.The issue was raised by a participating member who questioned why a city known for its dominance in man-made textiles still does not have a specialised university or standalone institute focused on advanced textile education. The concern sparked a wider debate among those present, with members agreeing that the absence of a formal textile education ecosystem is limiting long-term skill development and innovation in the sector.Responding to the remarks, MANTRA president Rajnikant Bachkaniwala said, “Whenever MANTRA tried to develop a higher education textile institute like a university, it was failed by other organizations in the city from the textile sector. But MANTRA will keep on putting efforts.”Though attendance at the meeting was thin, participants closely followed the discussion, with a majority backing the view that concrete steps are required to move toward setting up a textile university.Former president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), Vasant Bachkaniwala, said, “There is a need of efforts to be done to start a textile institute. This demand should be raised with central govt,” he said.Rajnikant Bachkaniwala replied that multiple representations had already been made but collaboration among stakeholders remained a key obstacle. “We have made representation many times and put a lot of efforts but other organisations from the city create hurdles. We are not getting enough support as all the stakeholders are not ready to come under one roof,” he said. He added that competing groups often want the initiative under their own leadership, leading to fragmentation and stalled outcomes.Apart from MANTRA, similar demands have earlier been raised by SGCCI and the Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Associations (FOSTTA), but no concrete progress has followed.Bachkaniwala also expressed concern over the low response to MANTRA’s existing textile, garmenting and fashion courses. He said the programmes provide recognised certificates and training from qualified faculty, yet enrolment remains weak.In his presidential address, he urged MANTRA council members to avoid duplicating activities that are already being run by MANTRA in other organisations in Pandesara and Sachin.
