From the Director’s Desk

In the vibrant 1990s, as India’s fashion industry transformed from retro charm to bold modern expression, I felt an undeniable pull toward creativity. Though a law graduate, my passion led me, alongside my brother, Late Mr. Ashok Kaushik, whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit remain my guiding light, to establish the National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD) in 1995, the very first of its kind in Chandigarh. The institute was inaugurated by renowned designer Ritu Beri and self-taught Indian artist of the iconic Rock Garden fame, marking the start of a creative revolution in North India.

Over the years, NIFD evolved into INIFD Chandigarh, a name that is today synonymous with excellence in Fashion and Interior Design education. The legacy of my brother, the original NIFD owner, continues to inspire us every single day. As the owner of INIFD, I have carried forward his vision with dedication and passion, ensuring that this institute remains not only a place of learning but also a platform where creativity thrives and careers are built.

From those early days, when INIFD made headlines with fashion shows featuring icons like Preity Zinta, Milind Soman, Twinkle Khanna, Marc Robinson, and Katrina Kaif, to today where our students present collections at Lakmé Fashion Week’s Gen Next and win prestigious awards like the Pepe Jeans Designer Award, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our students have secured placements with global brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Pepe Jeans, Pepperfry, Roca, Livspace, and Asian Paints, and have collaborated with celebrated designers such as Tarun Tahiliani. These achievements highlight the strength of the foundation laid by the INIFD founder and carried forward by our entire team.

As the INIFD Director, my mission is not only to uphold our institute’s academic excellence and also to create opportunities for our students to shine on both national and international platforms. Many regard me as the INIFD academy owner and the INIFD CEO, but above all, I consider myself a guide, mentor, and lifelong learner alongside my students.