Pearl Academy of Fashion celebrates its 12 th ANNUAL CONVOCATION

Jaya Prada Calls For Increased Private Sector Participation In The Education Sector

New Delhi , February 23, 2006 : Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF) a premier professional institute of Fashion technology organised its 12 th Annual Convocation ceremony. Ms. Jaya Prada, Member of Parliament and renowned actress, presided over the convocation ceremony of the academy. Prof Neil Gorman, Vice Chancelor, Nottingham Trent University and Mr Deepak Seth, Chairman, Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF) jointly conferred degrees and professional diplomas to 94 graduating students from four out of its eleven undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the areas of Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandise & Production Management; Applied professional photography (APP) and Media Make up.

Expressing her views on the event Ms. Jaya Prada, said, “It’s indeed a very special moment of my life to be part of this ceremonial event and award young graduates who are ready to step into the professional world for their accomplishments at the institute. I have been in the entertainment sector since I was 13 years old and it’s the first time I am in close contact with the budding graduates who are so much part of the industry I belong to - Bollywood.”

Citing the growing need of trained manpower in the textile sector and fresh design talent for the entertainment industry, Ms Jaya Prada called on PAF management to set up more design schools all over the country. “Government alone can not meet the career needs of Indian students, private players like PAF need to come forward and take a lead role in education sector”, she added.

Vice Chancellor, The Nottingham Trent University - Prof Neil Gorman said “Convocation is an occasion that is eagerly awaited by young graduates who are ready to step into the professional world. Every year, students and faculty, both look forward to this event to bid farewell and look back at wonderful memories of their life in the institute. ”

Mr. A K G Nair, Executive Director, Pearl Academy of Fashion expressed his viewpoint; “The academy’s vision for the next decade is to establish itself as a global centre of excellence in the spheres of design, business and technology. The academy will focus on wide range of activities, including advanced research and consultancy services. To meet the objectives, the academy has initiated collaborative relations with leading international institutes and is planning to launch a new branch in Chennai.”

The Convocation began with the cultural prayer sung by the students, which was followed by a welcome address by Mr. Deepak Seth, Chairman, PAF. Mr. A.K.G. Nair, Executive Director, PAF, presented the brief overview of the academy’s activities and its future plans. Other dignitaries present in the event included former textile secretary Mr S B Mohapatra, retd CAG of India Mr Ravi Kathpalia, Mr Adarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Liberty Shoes; Mr Narendra Kumar, fashion designer and Ms Anne Lise Kjaer, an international lifestyle researcher.