SECL–ATDC Partnership Empowers Women from Mining Communities Through Skill Development and Career Opportunities.
*Empowering Women, Transforming Lives: SECL and ATDC Partnership Creates Career Opportunities for girls & women of mining areas*A remarkable CSR initiative by South Eastern Coal Fields Limited (SECL), in collaboration with the Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), is paving the way for economic independence for girls and women from mining communities. Under this impactful program, SECL sponsored 400 candidates across its command areas, including Gevra, Korba, Sohagpur, and Bishrampur.Among them, 40 selected candidates stepped out of their comfort zones to enroll in a residential Apparel Manufacturing Technology (AMT) Diploma program at ATDC Chhindwara. Despite initial reluctance, their families supported them in traveling nearly 550 kilometers from their interior villages to pursue this opportunity.Today, that courage has paid off. These empowered women—including young girls and married women—have successfully completed their diplomas and secured job placements with leading industry names. A group of 20 students will be joining Shahi Exports in Bangalore, while 13 students are headed to Arvind Fashions in Indore.The milestone was celebrated during a diploma and offer letter distribution ceremony at ATDC Chhindwara. The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Mr. Chandramohan Verma (Advisor, CSR-SECL) and Mrs. Kiran Duhanga (Manager, CSR-SECL) from SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur, alongside Dr. Roopali Shukla (Director, ATDC), Mr. Satish Patel, and the Chhindwara faculty.Speaking at the event, Mr. Verma praised the infrastructure, the dedication of the faculty, and the visible transformation in the students, expressing SECL’s commitment to expanding this partnership. Dr. Roopali Shukla emphasized that this endeavor successfully advances the vision of Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel (Chairman, AEPC & ATDC) and Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vashishtha, DG & CEO, ATDC.Dr Roopali Shukla expressed deep gratitude to Shri Biranchi Das, Director (HR) SECL for his visionary initiative and SECL’s continued CSR support and shared commitment to women’s empowerment and skill development.#WomenEmpowerment #CSRInitiative #SkillIndia #SECL #ATDC #ApparelIndustry #LivelihoodGeneration #CorporateSocialResponsibility
ATDC Signs MoU with Slayteq AI for launch of AIFoundation Programmes Online.
A New Chapter in Fashion Learning: ATDC Signs MoU with Slayteq AI for launch of AIFoundation Programmes Online.The ATDC–Slayteq collaboration connects apparel education with practical experience in AI-powered fashion design.A fashion idea begins with imagination. Developing it demands the ability to explore, experimentand communicate a clear design direction. ATDC’s new collaboration with Slayteq aims to helplearners bring artificial intelligence into that creative process through structured, practicaltraining.On 8 October 2026, Apparel Training & Design Centre signed a Memorandum of Understandingwith Slayteq at its National Head Office in Gurugram. Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, DG &CEO, ATDC, and Mr. Tanuj Gangwani, Director, Mr. Akash Kansal, Vice President,representing Slayteq Team, formalised the collaboration for “Slayteq AI Foundation Modulesin Fashion & Apparel Sector.”The initiative combines ATDC’s experience in apparel skilling with Slayteq’s expertise in AI-powered fashion collection design. Its purpose is to give learners an accessible introduction toAI, supported by opportunities to apply their learning.From understanding to applicationThe learning journey will combine theoretical content, quizzes and assessments on ATDC’sLearning Management System with practical assignments on the Slayteq platform. Aninteractive workshop or masterclass forms part of the programme, while successful completionwill lead to joint ATDC–Slayteq certification.This approach creates a connection between learning about a technology and using it within afashion context. Students will have opportunities to practise, review their work and developfamiliarity with digital design tools.Building a foundation for wider participationThe collaboration begins as a pilot for ATDC learners, with learner feedback and programmeevaluation intended to inform future expansion across the institution’s training network.The inaugural programme placed student engagement at its centre, with provision for a livefashion design demonstration and interaction with the Slayteq team. Mr. Deepak Singh, GM–IT& Digital Transformation, ATDC, worked with the Slayteq team on the collaboration and learnerjourney & launch of AI courses.For ATDC, the collaboration represents a practical investment in the capabilities of its learners.It connects creative education with emerging technology and opens a new avenue for preparingstudents for digitally enabled fashion practice. DG&CEO ATDC Prof.(Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha and ATDC and Slayteq representatives at theMoU signing ceremony, held at ATDC National Head Office, Gurugram, on 8 October 2026.
Dr A Sakthivel Leads ATDC Outreach to Strengthen IASOWA Partnership for Women’s Empowerment.
7 October 2026: Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), met the leadership of the IAS Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA) today to advance the organisations’ collaboration in women’s skill development and livelihood support. The meeting brought renewed attention to the R K Puram training initiative and the scope for extending the partnership to other states. Dr. Sakthivel met Smt. Hema Somanathan, President, IASOWA; Smt. Shveta Gupta Kansal, Secretary; Smt. Archana Kumar, Treasurer; and Smt. Ragini Singh, Joint Secretary, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, Director General & CEO, ATDC. Under the Chairman’s leadership, ATDC reaffirmed its commitment to providing training support, modern machinery and qualified faculty for the initiative. Dr. Sakthivel expressed his personal support for the project and sought Smt. Hema Somanathan’s support in exploring similar collaborations in other states, with the aim of bringing apparel skills and income-generating opportunities to more women. The engagement builds on the three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed by ATDC and IASOWA on 15 July 2025. The partnership combines ATDC’s apparel training expertise with IASOWA’s commitment to women’s welfare. Its training facility operates at Grih Kalyan Kendra, Sector 4, R K Puram, New Delhi, with IASOWA providing space and essential utilities and ATDC supporting training delivery. Progress presented for the meeting highlighted 47 students trained under the GAP-sponsored one-year Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing Technology and another 25 trained in the Sewing Machine Operator course. Beyond classroom learning, ATDC has helped women produce sling bags, laptop sleeves and home furnishing products for IASOWA. Participants have earned remuneration through this work while gaining practical experience in production, costing, quality and finishing, linking skill development with livelihood support. Dr. Sakthivel also assured IASOWA President that overall two batches, consisting of 20 candidates each, sponsored by GAP or from any other CSR donor organisation would be earmarked for the R K Puram Centre. The meeting places the partnership’s next phase within Dr. Sakthivel’s emphasis on continued institutional support and wider outreach. Building on the R K Puram experience, the proposed expansion offers a pathway to connect more women with practical apparel training, productive work and opportunities for greater economic independence.
ATDC Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2026.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2026 atATDC GurgaonATDC Gurgaon, in collaboration with QAccess Education & Wellness LLP, organizedan engaging session on 6th October 2026 to promote mental wellbeing, self-awareness and positive engagement.The session provided to the students with an engaging platform to understand theimportance of mental health, self-awareness, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.Through interactive discussions, interactive activities and sharing of personalexperiences, students learned to recognize stress, understand their emotions, andadopt healthy ways to manage challenges.The session encouraged students to express themselves openly, build resilience,develop positive coping strategies, and seek support when needed. It helped themunderstand how mental wellbeing impacts their academic performance,relationships, confidence, and future professional life, empowering them to takebetter care of their mental health.The 2 nd session was with the NHO staff and Faculty. The session was really interestingand participants learned through activity. The sessions encouraged participants to knowtheir strength & values.The World Mental Health Day programme was interactive, engaging and positivelyreceived by both students and staff members. The activities provided participants withan opportunity to pause, reflect, express themselves and understand the importance ofmental wellbeing, self-care and positive personal growth.Because taking care of your mind is taking care of yourself.
Professor Roopak Vasishtha(DG & CEO, ATDC) Speaks at Global ESG Conference on Green Transition in Apparel.
APPAREL TRAINING AND DESIGN CENTRE ATDC • Conference press release • 28 September 2026 PRESS RELEASE Professor Roopak Vasishtha Speaks at Global ESGConference on Green Transition in Apparel New Delhi, 28 September 2026 | Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, Director General and CEOof Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), was invited as an eminent guest speaker tothe 4th Global ESG Conference and Prithvi Awards 2026, organised by ESG ResearchFoundation on 25 September at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.Dr. Vasishtha participated in Session II, “Capitalising on the Green Transition: CreatingValue Through Carbon Markets, Green Hydrogen & the Circular Economy.” Theorganiser’s programme listed “Green Transition in Apparel Industry” among the sessiontopics.His participation brought an apparel education perspective to a conference agenda spanningsustainability governance, circular economy, green finance and ESG reporting. For theapparel sector, the transition raises practical questions about production methods and theskills needed to implement them across the industry.The session was scheduled from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and featured speakers fromindustry and sustainability practice. ATDC’s presence at the event reflects its engagementwith developments affecting apparel training and workforce preparation.About ATDCApparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) is one of India’s largest vocational instituteestablished under the Aegis of AEPC for Training in Fashion & Apparel Sector, focused oneducation and skill development for the apparel sector. ATDC’s Vision is encapsulated in“Imparting Skills, Improving Lives & Innovating Future” Registered as a Society underSocieties Act in 1991 ATDC, was approved as a Nodal Agency by the Ministry of Textiles, APPAREL TRAINING AND DESIGN CENTRE ATDC • Conference press release • 28 September 2026 Gov in the year 2010, for implementing Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) of theMinistry of Textiles, Government of India. In the last decade over 5,00,000+ candidates havebeen trained through ATDC Pan-India network of about 80 centres with about 84% wageplacements.
VSSY Hardoi Inauguration & Jaunpur Training Programme.
A proud milestone for VSSY with the inauguration of the Hardoi centre and the successful commencement of the training programme at Jaunpur, marking another step towards empowering youth through skill development and vocational education. #atdc_india
ATDC Guindy, Chennai Wins FIRST PLACE at NIFT-TEA Fashion Show.
ATDC Guindy, Chennai Wins FIRST PLACE at NIFT-TEA Fashion Show From discarded denim to award-winning design — sustainability took centre stage. We are delighted to share a proud achievement for Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Guindy, Chennai, whose students secured FIRST PLACE at the Fashion Show organised by NIFT-TEA, Tirupur, competing alongside participants from around 30 fashion colleges. Taking forward the theme of “Sustainability,” ATDC Guindy students explored the creative potential of circular fashion by transforming old and recycled denim jeans into innovative fashion garments. The collection brought together upcycling, experimentation, craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes, culminating in an impressive runway presentation. FIRST PLACE Cash Prize: ₹25,000 Theme: Sustainability – Upcycling & Recycled Denim The recognition is especially significant because it demonstrates how the next generation of fashion professionals can combine design creativity with environmental responsibility. What was once considered waste was reimagined as fashion—giving discarded denim a new identity, purpose and value. This achievement reflects the creativity, dedication, technical skills and teamwork of our students, supported by the commitment and guidance of the faculty team at ATDC Guindy. Congratulations to the entire ATDC Guindy team! May this achievement inspire our students across India to continue experimenting, innovating and designing for a more sustainable future. ATDC — Skilling Today. Designing Tomorrow. #ATDC #ATDCIndia #ATDCGuindy #FashionEducation #FashionDesign #SustainableFashion #CircularFashion #Upcycling #DenimUpcycling #RecycledDenim #Sustainability #FashionInnovation #StudentAchievement #FashionShow #NIFTTEA #Tirupur #Chennai #FutureOfFashion #SkillIndia #DesignForChange
ATDC imparts special training in Protech Technical Textiles to undergraduate students.
India’s technical textile sector is witnessing rapid growth and the Ministry of Textiles (MoT), through its flagship scheme – National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), is making efforts and boosting manufacturing, innovation & exports and positioning India as a Global Leader. The Ministry of Textile is promoting skill development & training in the growing field of technical textile and Apparel Training & Design Centre has been empaneled as an implementing agency to provide training to undergraduates and upskilling manpower in the apparel industry in Protective Textiles. The skill training of youth is an important initiative towards building awareness, knowledge and employability among students and learners in the emerging field of Technical Textiles. The Foundation Course on Protech provides students with an introduction to Protective Technical Textiles, high-performance fibres, fabric construction, manufacturing processes, testing and specifications, helping them understand the growing opportunities in the Protect sector. ATDC trained 400 under graduates of BVoc Degree programmes pan India at ATDC Hubs. On successful completion of the module, candidates were assessed and certified. A Certificate Distribution Ceremony was organized at ATDC Gurugram on 9 September 2026 to recognize and felicitate students who successfully completed the Foundation Course. The certificates were distributed by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, ATDC & AEPC in the presence of Mr. H. K. L. Magu, Mr. Anil Varma and Dr. Roopak Vashishtha, DG & CEO, ATDC. The certificate distribution ceremony marked the successful completion of the training and encouraged students to explore further education and career opportunities in this rapidly developing sector. ATDC remains committed to strengthening Technical Textile education and developing industry-ready talent in alignment with the objectives of NTTM.
Podcast: Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, DG&CEO(ATDC) with RJ Khurafati Nitin.
Low marks do not define the limits of a student’s career. The right skills, training and industry exposure can open entirely new pathways to success. In a special podcast interaction with 92.7 BIG FM’s RJ Khurafati Nitin, Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, DG & CEO, Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), shares an important message for students and parents: “Less marks are not the end of a career — skills can shape your future.” The discussion highlights how ATDC’s industry-oriented, skill-based programmes in apparel and fashion help young people convert their interests and abilities into employable skills. With practical training, industry exposure and career-focused education, students can build dignified and sustainable careers in India’s growing apparel industry, including pathways towards supervisory and responsible shop-floor roles. At ATDC, the focus goes beyond marks — it is about potential, skills, confidence and employability. Podcast: Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha with RJ Khurafati Nitin 92.7 BIG FM Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC) Your marks may be one part of your journey. Your skills can shape your destination.
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) and Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) signed two MoUs to strengthen vocational training, employment and livelihood opportunities for youth, particularly girls and women, in the WCL command areas of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, and Nagpur, Maharashtra
*Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) and Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) signed two MoUs to strengthen vocational training, employment and livelihood opportunities for youth, particularly girls and women, in the WCL command areas of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, and Nagpur, Maharashtra* Since 2022, ATDC has been conducting Self-Employed Tailor (SET) training at Nagpur and Chhindwara. Taking this initiative forward, WCL has, for the first time, extended CSR sponsorship to 30 women candidates for a fully residential One-Year Apparel Manufacturing Technology (AMT) Diploma Programme at ATDC-Chhindwara. The programme will equip unemployed and underprivileged women with industry-relevant skills and enable them to pursue sustainable opportunities in wage employment and self-employment in the apparel sector. Also 180 candidates will be trained through ATDC centres at Nagpur and Chhindwara in the Self – Employed Tailor course , The MoUs were signed in the gracious presence of Shri Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance/DHR), WCL and senior officials of SECL & ATDC Shri Manoj Kumar Gupta, GM (E&M/HRD), WCL, signed on behalf of WCL, and Dr Roopali Shukla , Director (CSR), signed on behalf of ATDC. Under the exemplary leadership of Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC & ATDC, and the dynamic guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha, Director General & CEO, ATDC, the WCL–ATDC partnership continues to expand, creating broader opportunities for the youth. Shri Bikram Ghosh highlighted that the initiative would help transform the lives of the youth by enabling sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. Dr Roopali Shukla expressed her gratitude to WCL for its valuable continued CSR support and commitment to empower youth through skill development. The WCL–ATDC collaboration reflects a shared commitment to women empowerment, skill development and sustainable livelihoods. #atdc_india #westerncoalfieldslimited #CoalIndiaLtd