Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar hosts Faculty Development Programme on “Fashion: The Stylish Killer”

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, renowned for fostering holistic education, recently hosted a one-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “Fashion the Stylish Killer.” The session, led by Ms. Rajni Gupta, Head of the Department of Fashion, focused on the environmental impact of the fashion industry and promoted sustainable practices in design and consumption.

Ms. Gupta emphasised the detrimental role of the fashion industry, the second largest contributor to global pollution. Addressing issues such as air and water contamination caused by garment dyeing, she highlighted the adverse working conditions for artisans, including low wages, unsafe environments, and, at times, child labor.

She advocated for adopting the “3 Rs”—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—in fashion practices. She noted that only 1% of clothing globally is recycled and encouraged participants to rethink consumption habits. Ms. Gupta suggested innovative ways to reuse clothes creatively, share garments within communities, and prioritise eco-friendly brands while shopping.

Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra stressed the urgency of embracing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. She urged individuals to produce responsibly, consume mindfully, and incorporate sustainability into daily life to mitigate the growing threat of pollution. “Immediate action is necessary to secure resources for future generations,” she stated.

Ms. Chetna from the Department of English seamlessly anchored the event, while Dr. Dhingra commended the organisers, Dr. Anjana Kumari and Ms. Payal Arora, for their efforts in making the FDP a success.

The program underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into both professional and personal spheres, leaving attendees inspired to take meaningful steps toward a greener future.