Interview by Pratyasha

Graffiti Institute of Fashion Technology

Mrs. Rachana Rishi is designated as the Founder and Director of Graffiti Institute of Fashion Technology. With 25 years of working experience, she has amassed a hoard of knowledge about the rich textile heritage of India. Because of her extensive knowledge in design, congeniality and helping personality, her work has been constantly recognized internationally. Mrs. Rishi’s work on Warli prints was featured on FTV in the year 2002.

In an exclusive interview with collegedunia.com, Mrs. Rachana Rishi talks about her Institute and experience in the Fashion Industry.

Working in the Education Industry is itself a challenge

Education Industry is very appealing industry since we get to deal with students. It is also pleasing because right here we can shape students’ mind who has the power to shape the world accordingly or in a better way.

The education industry has gone under various changes ever since I started. Initially, for me, it was very challenging since I was very young with no experience. But, as I was passionate about this field, I and my hard-working team were able to establish Graffiti Institute of Fashion Technology. Our institute offers exclusive and specialized courses in Fashion and Interior Designing which makes it stand out from the rest.

A leader needs to be a role model

The basic rule of a leader should be ‘Be firm without being rigid and be kind without being weak.’ The expected code of conduct should be first practiced by him/her. A leader needs to be emotionally and psychologically strong, rational and empathetic in behavior, meticulous in planning, organized in execution, hardworking and systematic in working.

All the members of the team should be respected and rewarded for their contribution made in the growth of the institution. Positive motivation, prudent thinking without prejudice, equality in dealing with concern and care for team members surely do wonders to the institute as well as the individual associated with it.

A great journey with exciting challenges

I act as a mediator between the students, faculty, principal and the management. Each of them have their expectation from me, and I have to ensure that a proper balance is maintained among them. No one should feel that their voice is not given the ears. I have to diligently deal with each and every issue. Fortunately, I am blessed to be able to strike such a balance.

Along with this duty of Director of College, I consider myself to be a Teacher as well. Learning, being updated and teaching with passion is my foremost duty. The role of a teacher is very significant in students’ career and therefore this is a very demanding job. Having playing multiple roles, I want to do something good for the people and society at large.

Education Industry has undergone a lot of changes

Nowadays, students are much more aware and smart enough to know that they need more exposure than just classroom studies. They understand the importance of practical knowledge, and how can other methods make them industry ready. For this, most of the institute/ universities/ colleges have designed their curriculum in this manner.

The Institute has market-oriented curriculum

Our institute believes in providing the students with more and more practical training to ensure better development of their minds and attitude. They are also getting a handful experience of the industry to learn how to tackle challenges like client handling, handling their own business, and more.

We have experienced board members who have designed curriculum according to the needs of the industry. The institute often uses real market scenario to make the students ready for industry requirements. If we look at the education system as a skill development sector, then no one can defeat you.

Goals and aims for the Institute

Our main aim is to provide students with a direct platform where they can showcase their talent. The Institute is planning to introduce a Launchpad where the students can give a kick start to their own business. As an educational institution, we also plan to do these activities including seminars, workshops, industry visits on a larger scale.

Suggestions to the students

The youth is always full of energy and zeal. What after + 2 is always a mind boggling question for them. I suggest them to live a balanced life, and choose a career which is right for them. We, at Graffiti is committed to help all the students to choose what is best for them. Even if they want to choose a course which is not offered by our college, we welcome them for career counselling.

My suggestions to the students is to be focused on what they want to be. They should be aware of what are the steps required to read their goals. Their focus should be accompanied with lots of enthusiasm and strong determination.

They must accept the failures and move ahead with better strategy. To sum up, I will suggest:

  • Choose the right career. If needed, do proper research and then choose the right path.
  • Define a strategy and put in sincere efforts to achieve the targets. Never hesitate to work hard.
  • Most importantly, be a good human, kind and empathetic. Only a good human being can be more and more successful. Help others and share your knowledge will others.
  • Your ambition should not aloof you from your friends and family.