The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) hosted the prestigious CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25, recognizing and applauding outstanding achievements in sustainability within the Indian textile industry. The event, held on 17th February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, witnessed the presence of Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, who delivered the inaugural address and presented the awards to the deserving winners.

In his address,  Margherita emphasized the crucial role of sustainability in the textile industry and commended the efforts of organizations and individuals for their exemplary contributions. He remarked, "CITI holds a distinctive position, and its leadership has consistently provided unwavering support to the Ministry of Textiles. I am confident that CITI will persist in serving the needs of India and the wider world, enhancing our competitiveness. I hold the highest regard for the remarkable initiatives undertaken by CITI. The organization will undoubtedly inspire the youth in the industry to chart a roadmap for the country's growth."

A key highlight of the evening was Pabitra Margherita’s participation as the showstopper in a showcase of India's sustainable heritage weaves at Bharat Tex 2025, also held at Bharat Mandapam. The fashion sequence, titled 'Earthloom - Threads of Heritage', was curated by renowned designer Daniel Syiem from Shillong and presented by Aalekh Foundation in collaboration with CITI. The showcase celebrated India’s finest sustainable textiles, reimagined for the global stage.

Sharing his experience on his X timeline, Shri Margherita wrote, "It was indeed a proud moment to wear our identity, the Eri silk, at the show and present it to a diverse audience." The Minister also lauded the fashion show, acknowledging CITI and Aalekh Foundation’s efforts in celebrating India’s rich textile traditions.

The event also featured keynote addresses from senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles, including:
• Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary
• Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary
• Prajakta L. Verma, IAS, Joint Secretary

Recognizing Sustainability Champions
The CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 featured several categories, each recognizing excellence in different aspects of sustainability. The event saw the felicitation of an esteemed jury and the distribution of awards in the following categories:

CITI Birla Economic & Textile Research Foundation Awards
• Innovative Water Management and Conservation Award:

o Winner: Jeyavishnu Clothing Private Limited
o First Runner-up: RSWM Ltd
o Second Runner-up: SCM Garments Pvt Ltd

• Leadership in Renewable Energy Integration Award:
o Winner: Premier Mills Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Madura Coats Private Limited
o Second Runner-up: Victus Apparel Private Limited

• Excellence in Carbon Emissions Reduction Award:
o Winner: Radnik Exports Global Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills P Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Pratibha Syntex Limited

• Excellence in Waste Reduction and Circular Innovation Leadership Award:
o Winner: Indo Count Industries Ltd

CITI Textile Sustainability Awards
• CITI-Reverse Resources Best Recyclers Award:

o Winner: Sitaram Spinners Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Oasis Textiles
o Second Runner-up: Maleema Eco Weaves

• CITI-IDH Best Alternate Materials Use Award:
o Winner: Raymond UCO Denim Private Limited
o First Runner-up: Usha Yarns Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Banofi Leather

• CITI-BSL Best Sustainable Retail Practices Award:

o Winner: Indo Count Industries Ltd
o First Runner-up: Eastman Exports Global Clothing Pvt Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Lafaani

• CITI-Aalekh Foundation Textile Heritage Reviver Award:

o Winner: Dastkar
o First Runner-up: 23:23 Designs & Sourcing Pvt Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Lahe Lifestyle
o Special Award: Ministry of Textiles, Meghalaya

• CITI-Rajesh Bheda Consulting Best HR Practices Award:

o Winner: Gokaldas Exports Limited
o First Runner-up: Raymond UCO Denim Pvt. Ltd
o Second Runner-up: Banswara Syntex Ltd., Garment Division

• CITI-TEXPROCIL Leading Kasturi Ginner Award:

o Winner: Ram Agro
o First Runner-up: Jayesh Cotsyn
o Second Runner-up: Gimatex Industries Pvt Ltd, Yerla Unit

• CITI-CDRA Best Regenerative Cotton Farming Practice Award:

o Winner: Shri Swapnil Gunwant Shelki (Supporting Agency: CITI CDRA)
o First Runner-up: Shri Pavra Mohit (Supporting Agency: Indo Count Industries)
o Second Runner-up: Shri Rama (Supporting Agency: Pratibha Syntex)
o Third Runner-up: Hema Devi (Supporting Agency: CITI CDRA)
o Fourth Runner-up: Tulsiram Lohare (Supporting Agency: Beetle Regen)

• CITI-Best Academic Institution Contribution to Textile and Clothing Sustainability Award: Winner: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar
o Best Academic Institution Educational Contribution to Textile and Clothing
Sustainability Award: Goa Institute of Management, Goa
o Runner-up: Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala

• Best Woman Entrepreneur Award:

o Winner: Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyu

• CITI’s Exemplary Service Awards:

o P. D. Patodia – Past Chairman, CITI; Chairman & MD, Prime Urban
Development India Ltd
o S. P. Oswal – Chairman & MD, Vardhman Textiles Ltd.
o R. K. Dalmia – Past Chairman, CITI; MD, Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd. (formerly
Century Textiles & Industries Ltd.)
o Jagdish Chandran – Chairman, Premier Mills Pvt. Ltd.

4. 8th FMC Award for Responsible BMOs Felicitation of the Jury of the 8th FMC Award for Responsible BMOs (in partnership with CITI) and release of the BMO Case Study Booklet.

The awards ceremony showcased the industry's commitment to sustainability, with winners demonstrating innovation, dedication, and positive impact. The recipients were lauded not only for their
contributions to environmental conservation but also for their social responsibility initiatives and commitment to sustainable business practices.

Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI, remarked, "These awards are a testament to the industry's relentless pursuit of sustainability. It is heartening to witness the transformative efforts made by textile companies, setting a benchmark for others to follow."

The CITI Sustainability Awards 2024-25 reaffirmed the textile industry's unwavering commitment to fostering a greener, more responsible, and sustainable future, aligning with global best practices and India's ambitious sustainability goals.