President Murmu Hails Four Decades of FDDI’s Contribution, Calls for Expansion of India’s Footwear Industry

Reflecting on the institute’s evolution, President Murmu highlighted the industry-specific training, research, and innovation FDDI has enabled since its inception. She underscored the importance of such institutions in shaping a skilled workforce and supporting one of India’s most globally competitive sectors. India today stands among the world’s leading exporters of footwear, she said, but expanding this advantage will require broader industrial growth and sustained investment in technology, design, and manufacturing capacity.

Addressing students and young professionals, the President urged them to embrace entrepreneurship and see themselves as future creators of employment rather than seekers alone. The growth of the footwear business—spanning both traditional and emerging segments—offers significant opportunities for new ventures, she remarked. With global markets expanding and consumer preferences rapidly diversifying, she encouraged young talent to engage actively in the sector’s evolving landscape.

President Murmu also drew attention to India’s longstanding reputation in leather footwear manufacturing, noting that the country has held a prominent position in this segment for decades. At the same time, she emphasised the rising demand for sports footwear and non-leather alternatives, areas that she believes hold immense potential for innovation and market expansion. Strengthening these segments, she added, will not only diversify India’s export basket but also help domestic manufacturers compete more effectively on the international stage.

As she concluded, the President called for collaborative efforts between industry, academic institutions, and innovators to propel India’s footwear ecosystem forward. By investing in research, sustainable processes, and advanced manufacturing, she said, the country can reinforce its global standing while creating meaningful opportunities across the value chain. FDDI’s four-decade milestone, she noted, serves as a reminder of how institutional excellence can shape national progress—and how the next phase of growth will require equal measures of vision, skill, and innovation.