Insightful Panel Discussion Conducted During USE 2024 With Prominent Dignitaries

30 December 2024: The session focused on the theme, ‘Sustainable School Uniforms: Dressing Future Generations Responsibly’ with interesting takeaways for the industry stakeholders. They say knowledge is power and this was more than evident during the Panel Discussion on ‘Sustainable School Uniforms: Dressing Future Generations Responsibly,’ conducted on November 22, 2024, at Hall 2, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (East), Mumbai from 11.00 am – 12.00 noon on the second day of Uniform and Sportswear Expo (USE) 2024, the third edition of the event. The session was marked by the presence of prominent personalities and leading dignitaries from across the spectrum. The representatives from different sectors including education, uniforms and garments presented their views and deliberated on the implications of the theme during the gathering.

The panel discussion brought together school principals and key stakeholders from the uniform industry to explore the critical need for sustainability in school uniforms. Participants engaged in a meaningful dialogue about the environmental impacts of traditional uniform production and the benefits of adopting eco-friendly practices.

The discussion highlighted aspects such as innovative materials, ethical manufacturing processes and role of schools in championing sustainable choices. By sharing insights and experiences, the panel aimed to inspire actionable strategies that can lead to a more sustainable future for students, schools and the planet. The panellists envisioned a new era of school uniforms that prioritize both style and sustainability!

Panelists who addressed the session were Dr. Radhika Srinivasan, Principal, Billabong High International School, Mumbai; Dr. Shunila Joy Chauhan, Education Consultant, Ex Principal, Mumbai; Melita Coutinho, Vice Principal, N. L. Dalmia High School, Mumbai; Shivarama Talasila, VP Supply Chain, KARE Enterprise, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, Mumbai; Vikas Todi, Managing Director, Sparsh Fab Textiles (P) Ltd., Mumbai; Paras Jain, Director, Director, Rajesh Rayon Silk Mills Ltd., Mumbai; Amar Gupta, CEO, Uniform Solutions, Mumbai; Kiran Parmar, Director, Parallel Plaids Uniforms (P) Ltd., Mumbai; Nishant Upadhyay, Business Head (School Uniforms), Heather Grey, Mumbai and Devang Sheth, Director, Vibgyor Exposition with Karan Dharmasi, CEO, The Marketing Nerdz, Mumbai being the Moderator.

The combination of panellists provided a holistic mix of all important stakeholders in the uniform chain who were present to have an in-depth discussion to lead the industry to understand sustainability better – 3 Principals of Leading Schools from Mumbai, 2 Suiting/ Shirting Manufacturers and 3/4 Uniform Manufacturers.

The session contemplated a wide range of facets influencing the theme, beginning with an ‘Introduction to Sustainability in Uniforms,’ where they sought to define what sustainable school uniforms are and why they are important in today’s context, as well as some of key environmental impacts of traditional school uniform production. Next facet taken up was ‘Innovative Materials and Ethical Manufacturing’ where the deliberations covered the materials currently being used in the production of sustainable school uniforms and examples of ethical manufacturing processes that are being adopted in the uniform industry.

The discussions then moved on to ‘Challenges and Solutions’ with an attempt to analyse the main challenges schools face when transitioning to sustainable uniforms, how they can be overcome, and the role stakeholders play in this transition.

The ‘Role of Schools and Education’ was then taken up with the query being posed about how schools can effectively champion sustainable choices and integrate environmental education into their curriculum while mentioning initiatives that schools have taken to promote sustainability among students and parents.

‘Economic and Practical Considerations’ were then deliberated with discussions focusing on whether sustainable school uniforms are more expensive than traditional ones, how schools and parents can manage these costs and the practical steps that schools can take to ensure a smooth transition to sustainable uniforms.

‘Future Outlook’ was contemplated with the future of school uniforms and sustainability in the next decade being envisioned while discussing how collaboration between schools, uniform manufacturers, and other stakeholders can be fostered to drive sustainable school uniform movement forward.

Final aspect was ‘Engaging the Community’ with the emphasis being on how schools can engage students, parents, and the wider community in supporting sustainable uniform initiatives and the role that social media and digital platforms can play in promoting the benefits of sustainable school uniforms. Panel Discussion was followed by felicitation ceremony where 25 Top Educators from various leading schools in Mumbai were honoured.

YouTube Link …. https://youtu.be/vJ6bqrfx2rw?si=hBgQBgxxB4ybG0tZ

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