CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) organised the 57th edition of the LERIG Conclave at Triple Helix Auditorium, during 6-7, November 2024.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary DSIR, visited CSIR-CLRI on 7th November 2024. During her visit, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi had an interaction session with key stakeholders from the Indian leather industry. The interaction resulted in emanation of key insights, which provide direction for the future of the industry in two important dimensions РIndigenous production of critical materials and machineries /components used in leather and footwear industry. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, inaugurated the Renovated Cr̬che Building in CSIR-CLRI campus.
The LERIG Conclave 2024 hosted an array of thought-provoking panel discussions and the prestigious Prof. Y. Nayudamma Memorial Lecture. The Nayudamma lecture was delivered by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi. The lecture on “Turning Trash to Treasure: CSIR's Trailblazing Journey in Waste-to-Wealth Innovations” showcased the range of technologies developed by CSIR labs that transform waste into valuable resources beneficial to the society.
The second day of LERIG Conclave 2024 witnessed three interesting and informative panel discussions. The first panel discussion on “Future of Leather and Footwear Sector” was chaired by Shri Rajeev Singh Thakkur, Additional Secretary, DPIIT. The panel members of the session were Shri R K Jalan, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Mr Ramesh Juneja, President, CLC, Kolkata, Shri M Viswanathan, Representative from Leather Working Group (LWG), Shri Saket Kulkarni, Implementation Manager-South Asia at Implementation Hub (ZDHC) and Shri G Mohamed Jahan, Honorary Secretary, IFLMEA (Geotrace). Shri Rajeev Singh Thakkur highlighted the DPIIT schemes - IDLS and STEP, insisted for a clear future plan and road map for leather sector development in the states like Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Maharashtra. The panellists further emphasized the importance of sustainability, sustainable technologies and products in shaping the industry’s future.
The next panel discussion session on “R & D Needs on Non-Leather Footwear Materials” was chaired by Shri V Noushad, President, Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI). The panel members were Shri Yogendra Singh, Bata India Ltd., Dr N Mohan, CEO, Kothari Industries Ltd., Shri Manimaran, General Manager, Fengtay Group, Shri Sahood, MD Jogger Shoes, Shri M James Mathew, Production Manager, Walkaroo Group, Shri Md Sadiq, Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI and Dr P Thanikaivelan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI. The panel discussion addressed key issues like developing eco-leathers, waste disposal, sustainable production techniques and the need for skilled work force. The panel members highlighted the need for collaboration between industry and research institutions, innovation in polymers, and the role of government policies in reducing costs and promoting indigenous raw materials. Many industrialists participated through online mode.
The panel discussion session on "Advancements in Machinery for Indigenization" was chaired by Shri Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman, South, CLE. The panel members were Shri. Anbumalar, Vice-Chairman, PA Footwear, Shri Manimaran, General Manager, Fengtay Group, Shri Sai Navneethan, Ramsons Garment Finishing Equipments Pvt. Ltd., Shri R Visweswaran, Techno Concepts, Shri A Mouinuddin Basith, CEO, Salma Group and Dr K Krishnaraj, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI. The panel discussion accentuated the need the development of high-quality indigenous machinery to reduce reliance on imports and the significant role of strong partnerships in this endeavour. The experts also highlighted the importance of government support and cost-saving innovations in machinery production.