Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 12: Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India, and Member of Parliament, graced the 49th Foundation Day celebration of MANTRA (Man-Made Textile Research Association), Surat. On this occasion, MANTRA showcased its work in technical textiles, indigenous machinery, specialised materials for the defence sector, quality testing, sustainable manufacturing and skill development.
The occasion was attended by Shri C. R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti; Shri Mukesh Dalal, Member of Parliament from Surat; Smt. Darshana Jardosh, former Union Minister of State for Textiles; and senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, including Smt. Vrinda Desai, Textile Commissioner; Shri Mrityunjay Behera, Economic Adviser; Shri Ajay Pandit, Joint Commissioner of Textiles; and Shri Kartikeya Dhandha, CEO under the Office of the Textile Commissioner.
Minister Holds Special Interaction with Successful ITADC Entrepreneurs
A major highlight of the occasion was the achievements of young entrepreneurs who received training at the Integrated Textiles and Apparel Development Centres (ITADCs) at Sachin and Pandesara, managed by MANTRA.
During a meeting held on 9 October 2026, Shri Giriraj Singh was highly impressed by the success of these young entrepreneurs. According to institutional information available, the businesses associated with these entrepreneurs collectively record a turnover exceeding ₹120 crore. Impressed by their achievements, the Minister invited them for a more detailed interaction at the Surat Circuit House at 8:00 a.m. on 10 October 2026.
During this special meeting, the Minister interacted directly with the entrepreneurs to understand their businesses, manufacturing activities, employment generation and contributions to the textile supply chain.
According to MANTRA’s institutional information, more than 50 entrepreneurs have established their own business units after receiving training at ITADCs, covering various segments of the textile value chain, from yarn spinning and weaving to fabric production and apparel manufacturing. Their annual turnover ranges from approximately ₹2 crore to ₹600 crore, while individual units provide employment to around 4 to more than 450 people.
These achievements demonstrate the potential of practical, industry-oriented training to promote self-employment, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
Research for Defence, Aviation and Infrastructure
For more than 15 years, MANTRA has been collaborating with the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in the development of textile-based materials for defence applications.
The work focuses on specialised coated fabrics and materials for balloons and aerial delivery systems, with particular emphasis on strength, durability and quality testing. MANTRA is also exploring opportunities to develop new materials using jute-based technical fabrics for industrial and aviation applications.
In the field of sustainable textiles, MANTRA has developed an acoustic nonwoven material with an approximate weight of 130 GSM using jute staple fibre and biodegradable viscose filament. Manufactured through spunlace technology and the hydro-entanglement process, the material is being investigated for its potential application in sound absorption. Further research and development are ongoing.
To promote indigenous technology in Indian textile machinery, MANTRA has also worked on an innovation involving the development of bicomponent yarn using indigenous machinery. During a personal meeting with Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh on 21 September 2026, the design related to the development of this yarn was discussed. Depending on its final composition and structure, the technology may have potential applications in filtration, nonwovens and other technical textiles.
In the infrastructure sector, the Government of India’s Ministry of Textiles has approved a project worth ₹14.92 crore for the development of indigenous geogrid technology associated with MANTRA and Yamuna, Vapi. Geogrids can be used in road construction, soil reinforcement, slope stabilisation and erosion control.
Quality Testing and Support to Government Organisations
MANTRA provides textile-related quality testing services for several government organisations, including the Indian Air Force, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police departments for uniform materials, Indian Railways for bedsheets, and other government agencies.
MANTRA is also associated with the testing of man-made fibre yarn samples for the Telangana State Cooperative Development Corporation (TGSCO), including 1,304 samples related to the Indira Mahila Shakti saree initiative.
Additionally, MANTRA was invited to participate in the 39th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) Exercise organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), reflecting its engagement in quality assurance and analytical testing.
Sustainable Textiles, Research and Innovation
To promote environmentally responsible manufacturing, two proposals have been submitted under the Ministry of Textiles’ NTTM-GREAT scheme. These proposals focus on extracting fibre from water hyacinth and developing alternative materials such as vegan leather.
On 5 August 2026, MANTRA and Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote research, innovation and skill development.
MANTRA was honoured with the ITTA Innovation Award 2026 for its work on “Indigenous Development of Sustainable Multi-Filament Yarns for Advanced Textiles” during the ITTA Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on 12 September 2026. The award was received on behalf of MANTRA by machine operator Shri Umesh Patel.
The recognition reflects the collective contribution of MANTRA’s scientists, technicians, machine operators and the entire research team in advancing indigenous textile technology.
Surat’s Potential to Emerge as a Leading Technical Textiles Hub
Surat and South Gujarat have a strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce and extensive supply chain, supported by their prominent position in India’s man-made fibre and textile industry.
Integrating these strengths with research, indigenous machinery development and skill-building initiatives can create new industrial opportunities in defence, aviation, infrastructure, healthcare and environmentally sustainable materials.
MANTRA’s 49th Foundation Day highlights the organisation’s research legacy and its contributions to industrial collaboration, indigenous technology and skill development. The special interaction between the Union Textiles Minister and successful entrepreneurs trained at MANTRA-managed ITADCs particularly underscores the importance of connecting practical training and research with entrepreneurship.
MANTRA remains committed to translating scientific research into industry-oriented solutions, promoting indigenous technologies, improving product quality and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
