BTRA Marks 72nd Foundation Day With Carbonization Line Launch
The Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA) celebrated its 72nd Foundation Day with a forward-looking event that combined legacy, innovation and policy dialogue, strengthening its role as a key pillar in India’s evolving textile ecosystem.
The milestone celebration was marked by the presence of Chief Guest Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, along with senior dignitaries including Shrikrishna Pawar, Tushar Pawar, Lalit Kumar Gupta, Managing Director of Cotton Corporation of India and Avinash Misar.
The event highlighted BTRA’s transformation from a conventional research body into a modern, industry-driven institute. In his address, Narendra Dalmia, Deputy Chairman of the BTRA Governing Council, provided an overview of the current textile landscape, with particular emphasis on the rapid growth of technical textiles and BTRA’s role in supporting the sector through research, testing, consultancy and training.
In his keynote address, Minister Sanjay Savkare commended BTRA’s seven-decade contribution to the Indian textile industry, especially its proactive approach toward technical textiles. He highlighted the importance of aligning industry efforts with emerging priorities such as circular economy practices, workforce development and high-tech innovation areas that are central to Maharashtra’s industrial vision.
A major highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of BTRA’s Carbon Fiber Precursor Carbonization Line by the Minister. This advanced facility represents a significant technological milestone, strengthening BTRA’s capabilities in high-performance fibre research and positioning it at the forefront of technical textile innovation in India.
The Maharashtra Government’s continued support for BTRA was also reiterated, particularly in advancing research and infrastructure. Key initiatives include the facilitation of a Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Plant in Amravati and the upgradation of BTRA’s Ghatkopar campus to expand its modern testing and research facilities.
Dr. T V Sreekumar, Director of BTRA, reflected on the institute’s 72-year journey, highlighting its evolution into a premier centre for textile R&D and its sustained contributions across traditional and advanced segments of the industry.
The event also featured an engaging session on the Maharashtra Government’s Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023–2028, with a strong focus on the Technical Textile Mission. The discussion emphasised innovation, cross-sector collaboration and long-term growth opportunities for the state’s textile sector.
Adding to the knowledge exchange, International Fashion Business Exchange Council (IFBEC) released two key reports BioTex Fashion & Circularity Summit Report and India Circular Textile Blueprint 2030, offering insights into recycling ecosystems and extended producer responsibility.
The celebration witnessed strong participation from industry leaders and stakeholders, both in-person and virtually, reflecting BTRA’s enduring relevance and influence. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Prasanna K Panda, followed by a ceremonial cake cutting.
By combining technological advancement with policy alignment, BTRA’s 72nd Foundation Day reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for innovation and a key driver of growth in India’s technical textile landscape.
