New Delhi, October 17, 2025: Shahi Exports today announced a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India, formalizing its commitment to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the workplace and its supply chain.
Anant Ahuja, Director ESG & Sustainability at Shahi Exports & CEO and Co-founder at Good Business Lab, and Andrea M. Wojnar, Representative for UNFPA India and Country Director for Bhutan, sealed the commitment at a ceremony held at the UN House in New Delhi.
A Strategic Investment in Workforce Resilience
This partnership marks our formal commitment to integrate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into our business policies and practices. It’s a declaration that investing in women’s reproductive health is a smart business decision that boosts workforce resilience, productivity, and gender equality.
The Coalition, a multi-stakeholder platform led by UNFPA, aims to mainstream the SRHR agenda within the private sector globally.
Anant Ahuja commented on the significance of the agreement:
“Joining the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business is a great moment for us. This MoU reflects a core belief we hold: that the health, dignity, and autonomy of our women employees are fundamental to our success. We are excited to collaborate with UNFPA India to set a new standard for corporate responsibility and advance women across our workforce and the value chain.”
UNFPA on the Role of the Private Sector
The private sector, as one of the world’s largest economic forces, is uniquely positioned to drive positive social change through inclusive policies.
Andrea M. Wojnar highlighted the collaboration:
“The integration of women’s health and rights into corporate strategy is crucial for achieving gender equality and unlocking economic potential. Shahi’s commitment as a champion demonstrates forward-thinking leadership that directly addresses the barriers women face. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive measurable impact on critical areas like menstrual health, gender-based violence prevention, and access to comprehensive reproductive health information.”
Key Commitments Under the Partnership
As a champion of the Coalition, Shahi will undertake concrete actions, focusing on:
Policy Advancement: Implementing enhanced, family-friendly policies related to menstrual health, maternity and parental support, and flexible working arrangements.
Health Access: Working towards providing information and access to comprehensive reproductive health services and support.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Strengthening workplace mechanisms and zero-tolerance policies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harassment.
Measurement: Utilizing the framework to track, report, and continuously improve performance on SRHR indicators within the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.
Shahi is committed to fostering a supportive, stigma-free environment. The goal is to enable every employee to exercise their right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and futures.
About Shahi Exports: Shahi is India’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter. The company operates more than 50 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across 8 Indian states. It has a diverse workforce of nearly 100,000 people. Their vertically integrated operations, diversified product range, and strong commitment to ethical operations and environmental sustainability have established Shahi as one of the most preferred garment manufacturers in the world.
About UNFPA India: UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services. UNFPA has been partnering with India for over 50 years, ensuring rights and choices for all and helping build a future where every woman and young person can thrive.
At Shahi, we believe in sharing our experiences and learning with all the stakeholders in the fashion industry and beyond. This is an ongoing post to share insights from our speaking engagements in 2025. Read insights from previous years’ engagements: 2024 | 2023.
21 September | New York Climate Week 2025
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability, joined a session at New York Climate Week, organized by Economic Impact. The discussion brought together global industry voices to explore pressing challenges and opportunities in climate action. Anant contributed perspectives from the supply chain, sharing insights from Shahi’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into manufacturing.
10 September | Launch of CITI’s Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) in India
At the ITSB launch organized by CITI, Mr. Rajneesh Rai, AVP, Environmental Sustainability, joined a panel exploring the role of ESG in transforming India’s textile sector. He emphasized the importance of digital platforms, regular training, and knowledge-sharing to improve factory-level data on water, energy, emissions, and recycling. He also shared that reliable ESG data can support regulatory compliance, enable benchmarking, and inform more strategic sustainability planning. His remarks highlighted that better transparency starts with better tools and capacity for those collecting and using the data.
2 September | 2nd FICCI India Manufacturing Leadership Forum
Anant Ahuja participated in the “Ease of Doing Business for Viksit Bharat” roundtable discussion, focusing on how sustainability fits into India’s manufacturing growth story. He shared Shahi’s perspective on integrating social and environmental metrics into industrial policy. The discussion focused on how transparency, digital infrastructure, and workforce readiness can position India’s manufacturing sector as globally competitive and equitable. Anant emphasized that a future-ready industrial ecosystem must ensure that efficiency is aligned with inclusion and responsibility.
06 August | Brand Supplier Summit
At Tesco’s Brand Supplier Summit, Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager, Organizational Development, shared how Shahi has built gender equity over the past 15 years. On the “Gender Ambition” panel, she described how the team created safe, inclusive workplaces, increased women’s representation in committees, and strengthened leadership pathways across levels. Drawing on the ‘Responsible For framework’, she explained how Shahi designed systems that move beyond compliance and support long-term change. She emphasized that advancing gender equity means continuously investing in structures that reflect women’s lived experiences and unlock their leadership potential.
29 July | Women in Manufacturing – Lead with Equity Summit
Deepak Rautela, Assistant Vice President, Organizational Development, joined the “Built to Include: Gender Equity in Indian Manufacturing” Panel hosted by Good Business Lab and EquiLead. He shared how Shahi is embedding gender goals into governance through internal policies, ESG assessments, and a culture of accountability. He outlined our ESG monitoring systems, including scoring frameworks to track progress, and explained how they would be utilized. His insights reflected that meaningful equity work relies on strong internal systems that translate commitments into measurable outcomes and ensure continuous improvement.
22 July | Unlocking Investor Action for a Just Transition in India’s Fashion Sector
Gauri Sharma, General Manager, ESG and Innovation, participated in the “Thread to Transformation” panel in New Delhi, hosted by the Impact Investors Council and the Impact Investing Institute. She emphasized the importance of investors collaborating closely with supply chain partners to understand the on-the-ground realities. Her discussion explored how climate finance and circularity strategies must prioritize worker rights, supplier viability, and local economic resilience. The discussion highlighted the importance of designing investment models that support decarbonization while ensuring that no one is left behind.
24 June | Innovation Forum Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference USA
At the Innovation Forum in the US, Anant Ahuja joined the “Supplier Spotlight” session to speak about reimagining supplier relationships. He stressed the importance of long-term partnerships based on shared goals, co-investment, and responsible purchasing practices. Anant brought up ‘pilot fatigue’ and emphasized the need for scalable, context-aware solutions. He highlighted that sustainability in global supply chains can only be achieved when suppliers are treated as strategic partners and included early in the design of any initiative.
17 June | Launch of report on Women’s Advancement by RISE
Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager, Organizational Development, represented Shahi at the launch of a new report by Reimagining Industry to Support Equity (RISE). The report is titled “Shifting perspectives to accelerate women’s advancement and leadership in the garment, footwear and textiles industry – How international buyers and suppliers can take collaborative action”. Chitra spoke as part of the panel and reflected on why advancing women’s leadership in supply chains is a strategic priority for Shahi. She outlined how Shahi has integrated this focus into its core through initiatives such as Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E., EWASE, and STITCH. She shared how these programs have contributed to measurable business outcomes. This includes higher retention, improved productivity, and increased representation of women in supervisory roles. Drawing on both experience and data, she emphasized the importance of moving beyond transactional approaches. She advocated for shared-risk models that enable long-term investment in equitable and resilient supply chains.
04 June | SXSW London 2025
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability, participated in the panel “Circular Fashion: Can the Dream Become Reality?” He addressed the realities of scaling circular practices in mass fashion supply chains. He noted that some practices, like water recycling and waste reuse, are already in place. However, material circularity remains limited due to technological maturity, cost, and infrastructure. He also spoke about key barriers to adoption, including the disconnect between R&D and sourcing teams. He emphasized that shifting supplier-buyer relationships from transactional to collaborative is essential.
29 May | Hurun Philanthropy Summit 2025
Anant Ahuja joined a discussion on the panel ‘Philanthropy 3.0 – From Legacy to Leadership in a Digital Age’. It was a cross-sector discussion on how giving is being redefined.
15 May | Apparel Connect 2025
At the 8th edition of Apparel Connect, Sailendra Venkata Banda, General Manager – Logistics at Shahi, joined India’s leading apparel logistics forum. He shared his perspective on strengthening apparel logistics for a global scale. He spoke on a panel hosted by Cargo Connect where he discussed how supply chain resilience, real-time visibility, and technology integration are becoming essential for competitiveness.
15 May | UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Launch
UNFPA brought together companies from across the region at the launch of The Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business. The group discussed how businesses can embed reproductive rights in the workplace. Anant Ahuja was invited to address the gathering virtually. He showcased Shahi’s work towards improving the health and well-being of our workforce and designing tailored interventions for women employees for a better workplace.
05 May | UNFPA & Essity Nordic Roundtable
At the roundtable discussion titled “Business: Mobilizing the Nordic Private Sector for Women’s Health and Rights at Work”, Anant Ahuja spoke about Shahi’s workplace menstrual health initiative, Project Pravah. He explained how the program improves access, availability, and awareness for over 70,000 women workers. He also shared the results of the UNFPA Return-on-Investment Tool, developed with Good Business Lab (GBL). The program led to a 21 percent reduction in absenteeism, with a projected return of $2.90 for every $1 invested. This highlights that investments in well-being can improve work-life and create measurable business value.
03 March | Center for Business and the Environment at Yale (CBEY)
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability, spoke at the session Unlocking Brand-Supplier Collaboration to Accelerate Decarbonization in the Fashion Industry, organized by the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale (CBEY).
He discussed the financial barriers suppliers face in adopting decarbonization technologies and the role of brands in overcoming these challenges. The session explored how brands can align incentives to reward sustainability performance over cost and speed. These should consider he intersection of environmental sustainability and employment conditions. He also talked about Shahi’s learnings on the most effective strategies for scaling decarbonization efforts across supplier networks.
27 February | Dasra Philanthropy Week
Anant Ahuja participated in a spotlight session organized by Dasra, speaking on The Power of Business to Drive Change. His talk focused on how businesses, particularly in supply chains, can play a transformative role in social impact, just as they do in environmental sustainability. He spoke of approaches to worker well-being and gender equity. He highlighted the potential for businesses to drive systemic change through research-backed initiatives. He also highlighted Shahi’s collaborations in worker retention programs and gender-focused workplace interventions.
14-16 February | Bharat Tex 2025
Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson, spoke at Scaling Up Textile Manufacturing in India: Grabbing Opportunities, Addressing Challenges, organized by KPMG.
He discussed India’s strong banking system, the importance of vertical integration, and the role of MSME support in driving the country’s manufacturing growth.
Anant Ahuja spoke at the India: A Global CircularityHub – Developing and ScalingPost-Consumer Textile Waste Management session organized by Laudes India. He emphasized the importance of circularity for India and shared Shahi’s efforts in waste circularity. These include: upcycling, waste segregation, training, and compliance measures. Anant also discussed the role of various stakeholders in advancing circularity and effective waste management in the industry.
He also participated in Fashioning the Future Through Collaborative Sustainable Practices, organized by NIFT Delhi
He addressed the need for collaboration between manufacturers and brands to advance sustainability in the textile industry. His session covered decarbonization efforts and workplace interventions necessary for a sustainable future.
24 January | World Economic Forum (Side Event by UNFPA)
Anant Ahuja participated in the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business side event at the World Economic Forum, co-hosted by UNFPA, Essity, Ferring, Bayer, and Amref Health.
He shared Shahi’s holistic approach to supporting women employees, inspired by Shahi’s founder, Mrs. Sarla Ahuja. Some of the key initiatives include Project Pravah, which has reduced absenteeism by 21%. Other interventions like on-site creches, flexible work schedules, and the Shahi Soukyam maternal health program. Anant stressed the business case for investing in women’s health and well-being, stressing how these initiatives drive both social impact and operational efficiency.
24 January | CAIF Enterprise Bootcamp
Gauri Sharma, General Manager, ESG and Innovation, represented Shahi at the CAIF Enterprise Bootcamp, organized by the Circular Apparel Innovation Factory.
Her session focused on Shahi’s ‘Responsible For’ framework, efforts in decarbonization, digitization, traceability, and next-gen recycled materials.
The global fashion industry is at a pivotal moment, facing urgent calls for sustainable transformation. Fashion for Good and AltMat have joined forces to launch the Altag® Fibre Club: an innovative initiative designed to fast-track the adoption of next-generation, agri-residue-derived fibres at scale. The club brings together a consortium of forward-thinking supply chain partners to integrate AltMat’s fibres into mainstream production.
The Altag® Fibre Club aims to overcome systemic barriers that hinder the widespread integration of sustainable materials. Challenges include limited production capacity, premium pricing, and fragmented supply chains. The collaborative consortium facilitates seamless integration and provides brands with early access to AltMat’s groundbreaking Altag® fibres. This helps secure supply terms and streamlines processes.
The Altag® Fibre Club partners include: Adalberto, Alok, Arvind, Bhaskar Denim, Jindal Textiles, Maharaja Shree Umaid Mills, Ltd, Positive Materials, Sambandam Spinning Mills Limited, Shahi Exports, Sutlej Textiles, Sweaters India and Industries Limited, and Vrijesh Natural Fibre & Fabrics (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Driving long-term partnerships for change
This initiative marks a significant step forward in our 4-year partnership with AltMat. As a value chain partner, Shahi gains priority access to Altag® yarns. We also play a crucial role in co-developing fabrics with their global network of innovative customers. This collaboration furthers our commitment to fast-track material innovation, enabling it to offer cutting-edge sustainable solutions to brands seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
The consortium is dedicated to collectively overcoming key adoption barriers, particularly in scalability and cost competitiveness for next-gen materials. The club provides access to sustainable material libraries and aims to distribute costs through shared investment. It, therefore, reduces upfront financial burdens for its members.
We’re excited to leverage our vertically integrated setup to collaborate with brand partners and integrate Altag®’s innovative agri-waste Fibres into scalable textile production.
Three years ago, the Migrant Support Center (MSC) was launched with the goal of providing comprehensive support for migrant workers navigating the challenges of relocating to new cities for work. What began as an initiative focused on easing the transition has since evolved into a cornerstone of worker well-being, scaling across multiple locations and shaping new strategies for workforce development. The MSC was designed based on insights from research conducted with partners like the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Good Business Lab (GBL), and H&M.
Today, the success of the Bengaluru MSC has highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive support for migrant workers. Shahi has since expanded the model in Bengaluru to offer services to migrants from Bihar and within Karnataka. Each center follows a scalable approach tailored to meet the specific needs of workers in different regions, ensuring that all workers have access to essential services beyond just their initial placement and housing.
“The centre was built on research and practical experience. It helped us understand what workers need beyond the basics, and we’ve taken those lessons to other regions.”
~Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG & Sustainability at Shahi
The Beginning: Research-Based Solutions to Complex Needs
Migrant workers are likely to face isolation, lack of access to services, and uncertainty in unfamiliar environments. High turnover rates — sometimes exceeding 75% annually in factories — have been traced to the emotional and social difficulties workers face after migrating. This instability has both social and business costs, disrupts productivity, and leads to additional costs for hiring and training.
“I came to Bangalore with one intention, which is to earn enough money for a health procedure that I had to undertake. When one leaves their family to come to a bigger city, it leaves one feeling very uncomfortable,”
~ said Sana, who moved from Bagalkot (a district in the state of Karnataka, India) to Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Evidently, the reality of adjusting to an unfamiliar city without a support network became overwhelming.
Recognizing these challenges, the MSC was designed through deep research and fieldwork, in collaboration with partners like Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Sanjeevini – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Bihar State Livelihood Mission (Jeevika).
By understanding workers’ holistic needs — beyond job placement and housing — the MSC created a model that could tackle the root causes of worker attrition and discontent.
A pilot program paired new workers with experienced colleagues to offer social and emotional support during their transition into the workplace. Among 500 workers, this approach led to a 5.3% reduction in depression, a 5.9% decrease in anxiety, and a 12% increase in productivity. The success of this affordable and scalable model helped shape the design of a larger initiative, which integrated structured peer support as a core strategy.
“Our research highlights the lack of social network as an important barrier to female migrant worker well-being and performance at workplace. That insight led to the Buddy System—a program pairing migrant workers with their peers from shared cultural backgrounds to build connection, support, and belonging. This simple, low-cost model improved mental health and boosted productivity, proving that investing in worker well-being isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business.”
– Smit Gade, Director, Data and Reseach, Good Business Lab
Additionally, through a collaboration with YourDOST, Shahi provided workers in the MSC access to professional counseling. Between 2023 and 2024, over 3,000 Shahi workers engaged with YourDOST, attending 620 counseling sessions. Major concerns, including self-confidence, work-related stress, and interpersonal conflicts, were addressed through counseling.
Comprehensive Support for Transition and Stability
Fun time at Odisha-Migration and Support center Bangalore
Since 2021, the MSC has played a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of migrant workers and facilitating their smooth transition into urban life. It has provided essential services, including legal aid, financial literacy workshops, and assistance in obtaining critical identity documents, such as Aadhaar and ration cards. These documents are vital for accessing healthcare, banking, and government services, enabling workers to integrate more effectively into their new environments. During the pandemic, the MSC ensured access to vaccination and maintained a safe working environment, enabling workers to continue their jobs with confidence.
“At the MSC, we live like a big family. If one of us faces any problems, we receive support. We are also taught how to interact with people, how to spend our money, and save it. If we face any health issues too, we are supported just like a family,” adds Sana, describing the role of MSCs in the lives of migrants like her.
What’s Next? Taking Factories to Rural Areas
MSCs have been instrumental in supporting migrant workers. Shahi’s long-term goal is to balance the need for migration by creating job opportunities closer to workers’ homes. In recent years, Shahi has focused on establishing factories in rural and semi-urban areas, allowing workers to remain close to their families while accessing stable employment.
“Our goal is to bring employment opportunities to rural areas by setting up factories. Thisnot only improves access to jobs but also reduces the need for workers to migrate to metropolitan cities.”, says Anant Ahuja.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Worker Well-being
Three years since its inception, the Migrant Support Centers have created a strong foundation for supporting migrant workers as they navigate new environments. What began as an effort to provide training and housing has evolved into a comprehensive system of care that ensures workers are supported in every aspect of their transition to urban life.
“The MSCs have played a crucial role in helping workers succeed. And as we continue to expand, we will build on these insights to ensure that our workers have the resources they need to thrive.”
~Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager, Organizational Development
As Shahi continues to grow, the MSCs will remain a vital part of the company’s worker well-being strategy, ensuring that migrant workers are supported at work and in life.
The manufacturing sector in India currently contributes 17% to the nation’s overall GDP. India has the advantage of a young and ambitious demographic dividend. Therefore, it aims to reach 25% of its economic output from the manufacturing sector by FY 2025-26. Several factors can fuel this growth: government initiatives, a young workforce, rising domestic demand, and global supply chain shifts. The textile industry plays a vital role in the manufacturing sector, contributing 13% to the overall industrial production. It is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture. The industry plays a crucial role in job creation and warrants an in-depth study to identify the challenges and opportunities ahead.
To understand the sector’s unique challenges, the Foundation for Economic Development (FED) conducted a comprehensive case study. The study focused on Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer. FED is an organization focused on promoting sustainable economic growth through research, data-driven insights, and strategic partnerships. It aims to provide key stakeholders with the knowledge needed to address challenges and support development across industries. Shahi’s 50-year journey provides a valuable perspective on both the opportunities and challenges within the Indian textile industry.
FED’s Analysis of Shahi and its Manufacturing Roadmap
In the case study, ‘Shahi Exports: Stitching India’s Manufacturing Success,’ FED examines Shahi’s history, evolution, and strategies for navigating India’s manufacturing challenges. Shahi’s rapid and sustained growth, high employment rates, and prominent presence in this labor-intensive industry made it a focal case.
FED’s study highlights the challenges that limit India’s ability to leverage its demographic dividend in manufacturing. These include a strict and complex regulatory framework, lengthy compliance management, customs and trade barriers, and logistical constraints from a highly fragmented textile supply chain. Such factors make it difficult for large-scale manufacturers to thrive. FED’s study examines Shahi’s journey and the factors contributing to its growth. From a small home operation with fewer than 15 employees, Shahi has grown into a major employer. Today, it supports over 100,000 individuals, 70% of whom are women. Shahi’s emphasis on leadership management, high operational efficiency, and a commitment to people and the planet have stood out in FED’s analysis. Here are the identified practices that have driven growth:
Professional Management in leadership and decision-making
Operational Efficiency through Vertical Integration
Scaling operations across 8 Indian states
Worker-centric policies catering to career, health, and skill development
Industry-Research Collaboration and Actionable Insights
The FED study offers a comprehensive view of the industry’s unique challenges, comparing India with competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh. It is a combination of academic and industry perspectives, bringing structured methodology and actionable solutions.
This study also serves as a reminder of the importance of industry partnerships. These partnerships lay a foundation for targeted actions that stakeholders can implement effectively. Building on these insights, the analysis provides a more holistic view of the opportunities that need the synergy of stakeholders across the private and public sectors. Key enabling conditions and ethical business practices can propel the Indian apparel and textile industry towards sustainable growth. To get a holistic view of the study’s insights, read the case study here.
Bharat Tex 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from February 14-17, served as a crucial platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to converge and chart the course for the future of textiles. As a NextGen Partner, Shahi Exports played a prominent role, driving conversations around sustainability, technological advancements, and workforce development.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit and Interaction
Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Shahi’s display and discussed the future of the textile industry with Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson at Shahi Exports. They explored strategies to advance sustainability, technology, and workforce development.
Reflecting on the industry’s direction, Harish Ahuja stated, “The future of India’s textile sector lies in collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Platforms like Bharat Tex provide valuable opportunities for industry and policymakers to work together. We appreciate the government’s initiatives and remain dedicated to contributing to this shared vision.”
The Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet Harshwati, a worker trained under the Samarth scheme. Harshwati shared her inspiring story of transformation, demonstrating how skill development programs can create real employment opportunities. She explained how 40 days of free skill training empowered her to operate various machines and become a skilled worker at Shahi, giving her a sense of independence and pride. Expressing her gratitude, she said, “Mai SAMARTH se Samarth ho gayi hu (SAMARTH has empowered me).”
Government Engagement Underscores Collaborative Approach
Key government officials visited Shahi’s stall over four days. Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles; Smt. Neelam Shamirrao, Secretary; Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary; Shri Ajay Gupta, Joint Secretary; and Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles engaged in discussions. These interactions reinforced the importance of industry-government collaboration to drive growth and innovation in textiles.
Bringing the Manufacturer’s Perspective to Industry Panels
Our leaders participated in key panel discussions addressing industry challenges and opportunities.
Harish Ahuja discussed manufacturing growth at ‘Scaling up Textile Manufacturing in India: Grabbing Opportunities, Addressing Challenges’ by KPMG.
Anand PB, Director, Corporate Affairs, explored investment opportunities at ‘Unlocking Karnataka’s Growth Potential: Investment Opportunities in a Progressive Ecosystem’ by the Karnataka State Government.
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability, spoke at ‘Sustainable Futures: Collaborative Pathways’ conducted by NIFT.
These sessions brought a range of partners and key stakeholders together from across the supply chain to discuss critical aspects of sustainability, supply chain complexities, industry roles in decarbonization, and government collaboration.
Shahi’s NextGen Display: Innovation and Legacy
Shahi’s stall embodied its legacy of excellence and its next-gen approach to manufacturing. The Milestones Wall illustrated key achievements, mapping the company’s journey in the textile industry. The product display featured cutting-edge fabrics designed for both innovation and environmental responsibility. As a NextGen Partner, Shahi continues to push the boundaries of textile manufacturing, integrating tradition with modern advancements.
At the Sustainability Pavilion: A Five Elements Approach
Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Mission LiFE—”Mission LiFE borrows from the past, operates in the present, and focuses on the future”—the Sustainability Pavilion depicted initiatives by Indian industries that resonate with the five elements. Shahi demonstrated its commitment to representing the element Fire (अग्नि), signifying Energy and Transformation to this vision. Empowering employees through transparent grievance redressal systems and multilingual communication reflects our commitment to the energy of transformation, driving innovation and collaboration.
Bharat Tex 2025 provided valuable engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. We are grateful to all visitors and partners for their insightful discussions. Looking ahead, Shahi remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and strengthening India’s position as a global textile leader.
We are excited to launch the third edition of our sustainability report, ‘Moving the Needle: Adapt, Impact, Inspire.’ In FY 2023-24, we focused on adapting to change, driving impact, and inspiring efforts across the value chain.
This year, we have deepened our dedication to sustainable practices for both people and the planet. We’re advancing environmentally conscious actions across our operations to ensure a circular value chain.
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability at Shahi Exports, said,
“The Sustainability Report has allowed us to track our progress more closely and reflect on both our immediate and long-term strategies. Many of the sustainability challenges the industry faces require innovative solutions, and the data in this report enable us to better understand where to accelerate our innovation efforts and where we are making measurable progress.”
Key highlights from the report:
TO ADAPT:
Our journey of adaptation aligns with industry shifts and environmental sensitivities, leading to strategic enhancements in governance and operations:
Established a dedicated governance team in FY 2023-24 to uphold accountability.
Partnering with next-gen material and dry processing innovators. We ensured that 50% of the materials we use fall under the sustainable category.
Adapted to the evolving legislative landscape as our Knits Processing Division became one of India’s first mills to undergo the Yarn Ethically and Sustainably Sourced Assessment.
Scaling our flagship digitization project, ‘Trakwel’, across factories.
TO IMPACT:
Our efforts aim to create a positive impact on our workforce, communities, and the planet. In FY 2023-24, we implemented key initiatives to enhance sustainability and social responsibility, achieving meaningful outcomes:
People:
Achieved 106% of our STITCH program supervisor training goal.
Reached 106% of our goal to train women in Gap Inc. P.A.C.E.
Surpassed training goals with 110% completion in BSafe- Grievance Redressal Mechanism awareness.
Reached 98% of skill development targets with local communities.
Reached 20,590 mothers and children under our Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition services, meeting 137% of our goal.
Introduced EWASE (Empowering Women at Shahi Exports) to champion gender equality and support women in advancing to leadership roles.
Planet:
Achieved 100% coal phase-out in one of our mills.
Scored 68.92% of verified Higg FEM Index Version 4.0 score against a global avg of 48.08%.
Achieved 78% recycled water usage for industrial purposes in our textile mills
100% of the dyes and auxiliaries used in our production processes are ZDHC MRSL compliant.
Achieved a CDP score of ‘B’ compared to the global average of ‘C’.
TO INSPIRE:
A key objective is to inspire industry-wide change and elevate standards for environmental and social responsibility. To advance this goal, we’ve partnered with leading organizations:
Fashion Pact: Serving on the Fashion Pact Steering Committee, we engage and collaborate on critical industry and environmental issues. This helps us share a supply chain partner’s perspective and learn from the industry’s best practices.
Transformer’s Foundation: Collaborated with The Transformers Foundation and peers like Epic Group, Simple Approach, and Norlanka to create An Apparel Supplier’s Guide to Key Sustainability Legislation, outlining 12 upcoming laws in the US, UK, and EU.
Fashion Producer’s Collective: Serving on the Producer Committee to amplify producer voices, share knowledge, and drive sustainable fashion leadership.
International Apparel Federation: Joined the federation to strengthen sustainable supply chains, industry standardization, and inclusive solutions.
Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson of Shahi Exports, said,
“As we enter our 50th year, we’re excited about what lies ahead. Our roadmap focuses on diversifying our product portfolio, prioritizing sustainability, and investing in our people. We look toward a more circular future as we remain steadfast in our role as catalysts for change.”
New Delhi, November 12, 2024: Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter, announced a significant rebranding initiative as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This milestone marks a new chapter for the company, reaffirming its commitment to ethical practices, sustainable innovation, and empowering its workforce.
Founded by Mrs Sarla Ahuja in 1974 from a small home set-up, Shahi has grown to become one of the world’s most trusted apparel manufacturers. Today, Shahi has over fifty factories across eight Indian states and 80% vertical integration of the garment-making process.
Crafting a New Identity
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The brand refresh introduces a new visual identity encapsulating Shahi’s spirit and persona. The new logo features a gradient color palette, shifting from teal to purple, and symbolizes clarity, stability, and wisdom. The spark on the “i” is a testament to its commitment to excellence and a zeal for innovation.
The new tagline, “Manufacturing with a purpose,” is a nod to the depth of purpose that has been Shahi’s North Star for the last 50 years.
The refined mission statement reads, “We are a one-stop manufacturing destination that invests in people and the planet. Our story goes beyond just fashion – we champion ethical practices, empower our employees, and drive sustainable innovation in the global apparel and textile industry.”
Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson of Shahi Exports, shared,
“As a brand, for 50 years Shahi has been tirelessly committed to building and maintaining the trust of everyone who we work with. With an uncompromising dedication towards the quality of product and service, we have been lucky to have gained a globally trusted position as an ethical apparel manufacturer. In celebration of our milestone 50 years, this rebranding is a testament to our journey and commitment to sustainable fashion. We are proud to say that our new brand identity captures and reflects our values and our vision for the future.”
At Shahi, we believe in sharing our experiences and learning with all the stakeholders in the fashion industry and beyond. This is an ongoing post to share insights from our speaking engagements in 2024. Read insights from previous years’ engagements: 2023, 2022.
4 September | Innovation and Technology Symposium 2024
Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability, participated as a speaker at the HKRITA – The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited’s I&T Symposium 2024. The symposium explored turning lab innovations into real-world applications that drive meaningful change across fashion and textiles.
Anant’s session on ‘Scaling Innovation in Textile Manufacturing’ highlighted Shahi’s collaborative efforts with HKRITA in developing Aborboost- a cellulosic superabsorbent polymer (C-SAP) made from cotton textile waste. This development underscores the need for a closed loop in textile waste management systems that help farmers and the environment.
30 August | Indian Manufacturing Leadership Forum
Anant Ahuja attended the International Manufacturing Leadership Forum, organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce (FICCI). The forum focused on strengthening India’s manufacturing competitiveness. Industry leaders gathered to discuss challenges and strategies that can position India as a global manufacturing hub.
The discussions explored actionable steps to advance the Make in India vision. Participants also called for supportive government policies. The event emphasized collaborative efforts essential for building a robust manufacturing ecosystem that boosts India’s global economic standing.
23 August | Finance Leadership Dialogue
Mayank Kumar, CFO of the Ladies Speciality Division (LSD), represented Shahi at the second edition of the Finance leadership dialogue hosted by the Financial Express in association with Oracle.
The dialogue saw an exchange of ideas on ‘Technological Innovation Changing Financial Landscape.’ Several industry leaders came together to discuss the impact of technology in a digital-first era. They explored the shifting nature of a CFO’s role, emphasizing the incorporation of innovation and analytics by the businesses. The dialogue aimed to foster collaboration to address key challenges and identify opportunities in today’s evolving financial landscape.
5 August | The Good Business Forum: Redesigning the Bottom Line
Shahi participated in ‘The Good Business Forum: Redesigning the Bottom Line’ event organized by Good Business Lab at the Bangalore International Centre. The forum brought together industry leaders and innovators to explore the impact of worker well-being on global competitiveness.
Anant Ahuja opened the event with a keynote on sustainable practices. Shahi’s involvement extended to two panels. Senior GM Chitra Prasad joined the panel titled ‘Shared value creation requires co-designing with stakeholders’, discussing collaborative designs for behavioral change with peers from RISE and TATA Motors.
In another panel, ‘Worker voices empower business transformation’, Shahi’s S.R. Divya, Operator, and Shabana Banu, IE Assistant, shared their insights, underscoring the importance of worker voices in the evolution of a business.
28 June | Stitching Sustainability: Change With Every Thread
Kritika Chauhan, Manager of ESG & Innovations, participated in a panel discussion at the “Stitching Sustainability: Change With Every Thread” event organized by Saahas and GIZ. She spoke about Shahi’s waste management and circular models for textile waste.
Kritika emphasized the importance of R&D, innovation, and embracing recycled materials along with the potential of bringing new technologies to India.
The event focused on sustainable practices in the textile industry, exploring opportunities and charting a path forward.
27 June | GBL X SLCP | Human Rights Due Diligence: Impacts and Opportunities for Indian Suppliers
Srinivasa Rao Venkatesh, Chief Compliance Officer, attended a panel discussion on Human Rights Due Diligence: Impacts and Opportunities for Indian Suppliers along with the speakers from GBL, SLCP and Gokaldas Exports.
The panel emphasized supporting suppliers and understanding their perspectives, highlighting the role of social compliance tools and grievance solutions in meeting requirements and fostering business success. They underscored the transformative impact of effective communication with workers and grievance redressal mechanisms on organizational change and benefits.
Mr. Rao mentioned transitioning from diversity to convergence to improve due diligence. Shahi established a governance team to oversee worker risk, health, safety, and compliance, leading to the development of Inache, a platform aligned with global standards for worker empowerment.
14 June | TESCO Supplier Summit 2024
Shahi attended the Tesco Supplier Summit in Bengaluru, where we actively engaged in key panel discussions. Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager of Organizational Development, shared valuable insights on gender, supply chain, and labor agency management. Additionally, Puja Tickoo, Executive Vice President of the Ladies Speciality Division, discussed Shahi’s commitment to responsible business growth by integrating environmental sustainability into all stages of production.
22 May | Global Fashion Summit 2024
Our Managing Director and Chairperson, Harish Ahuja, represented Shahi at this year’s Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition, presented by Global Fashion Agenda.
In the panel discussion, ‘Collective Financing Models for Climate,’ he underscored the universal challenge of decarbonization and highlighted the potential learning from other industries to gain valuable insights. He emphasized the necessity of collaborative solutions in the fashion sector, including alignment on decarbonization goals.
Harish stressed the need for brands and retailers to collectively finance research and innovation to address unsolved challenges, such as renewable energy storage and efficient order placement to prevent overproduction.
Venkat Rao, Chief Compliance Officer, participated in the panel ‘The SLCP Process & System’ organized by the Social & Labor Convergence Program. The panel discussed the SLCP process and system, covering topics such as the assessment process, timeline, and how to effectively navigate and maximize the use of the Gateway and Accredited Host platforms.
6 April | ‘Sustainability: Balancing People, Profits, and Planet’ hosted by Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence (SNIoE)
Anant Ahuja, Head of ESG, participated at the Annual Economics Conclave – Iqtisadiyyat’24 hosted by Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence (SNIoE).
In his keynote address on ‘Sustainability: Balancing People, Profits, and Planet,’ he discussed integrating sustainable business practices within manufacturing industries, highlighting the necessity of balancing profitability with responsible operations for the well-being of people and the environment.
01 March | ‘Traceability Pilots in Indian Cotton Supply Chains: Lessons for Sustainability and Due Diligence’panel by the U.S. Department of Labor
Kritika Chauhan, AM, Communications & Sustainability Innovation participated in a panel ‘Traceability Pilots in Indian Cotton Supply Chains: Lessons for Sustainability and Due Diligence’ organised by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The panel discussed how technologies can support labor due diligence, with a focus on additive product tracers and isotope testing. Sharing the key learnings from the STREAMS traceability pilots, Kritika shared that as the first mill to implement YESS, Shahi looked forward to exploring complementary technologies and future advancements.
28 February | Masterclass organised by Good Business Lab
Deepak Rautela, Associate Vice President, Training & Organizational Development, spoke at the Masterclass on “Enhancing Business Gains through Worker Communication” organized by Good Business Lab at Bharat Tex 2024. He was joined by Lavanya Garg, Director, Strategy, Partnership, and People Operations at Good Business Lab, and Renukaprasad B, Senior Manager of GBL Ventures.
He shared insights on the transformative impact of Inache, an anonymous and digital grievance redressal tool, from the use-case experience of Shahi and how it has helped improve worker communication from the shop floor.
28 February | ‘Redefining Natural Fibers: Collaboration for High-Value Products’ panel at Bharat Tex 2024
Gauri Sharma represented Shahi at a panel discussion on ‘Redefining Natural Fibers: Collaboration for High-Value Products’ at Bharat Tex 2024. She shared, “Innovation in sustainable materials faces hurdles in scaling up due to certification costs and performance expectations. Alongside sustainability, we need to focus on performance and added benefits to the consumer. Supporting innovations emerging in India, especially in the transition from pilot to commercial stage, requires collective efforts from both industry and government.”
28 February | ‘Doing Business in India’ panel organised by Invest India
Anant Ahuja, Head of ESG, participated in a panel ‘Doing Business in India’ organised by Invest India at Bharat Tex 2024. He highlighted the role of manufacturers in advancing sustainability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to achieve decarbonization, use sustainable materials, and address other key sustainability goals.
The panel aimed to drive growth and elevate India’s global competitiveness in textiles, making it an attractive destination for investment.
27 February | Vision 2047 in Textiles
Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson represented Shahi at a panel titled ‘Vision 2047 in Textiles’ hosted by NITI Aayog at Bharat Tex 2024. He shared his views on achieving the vision of making India the world’s largest textile hub. He mentioned, “As a roadmap ahead, the Indian textile industry’s primary vision should be to have a systemic approach toward sustainability to boost the global value chain. By focusing on building a robust value chain, enhancing infrastructure, scaling economies, and prioritizing quality, we can reignite India’s growth in textiles, propelling us towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).”
26 February | CXOs Roundtable at Bharat Tex 2024
Shahi participated in an exclusive CXO Roundtable organized by KPMG at the Bharat Tex, which facilitates collaboration with industry peers on strategic initiatives. Harish Ahuja, the Managing Director and Chairperson, represented Shahi at the roundtable.
The panel discussed the steps India needs to take to reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Other takeaways included focusing on scale, sustainability, and quality to make India a global manufacturing hub for textiles and apparel. He shared, “Through collaborative platforms and a focus on operational efficiency, the textile industry can drive innovation and sustainable growth. Smart automation and cutting-edge technology, empowering women, and accessing global markets are key strategies for success in the sector.”
21 February | OECD – OCDE Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector
Anant Ahuja, represented Shahi at the OECD – Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector. In the panel, ‘More than just paperwork? He highlighted the role of certifications in due diligence as a supplement to compliance with standards, driving improvements, and addressing challenges in the supply chain.
20 February | ‘Mill Conformance with Due Diligence Requirements – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ at the OECD – OECD Forum
Kritika Chauhan, Assistant Manager, Communications & Sustainability Innovation, was a panelist on ‘Mill Conformance with Due Diligence Requirements – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ’ by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). She shared Shahi’s experiences in understanding, meeting, and assessing the requirements of the YESS due diligence standards. She also explored strategies to scale due diligence efforts to address potential and actual forced labor risk.
19 February | Moderated Panel Discussion at the OECD – OECD Forum
Anant Ahuja moderated a session by Better Buying Institute at the OECD—OCDE Forum on ‘Empowering suppliers and supporting buyers in using data to accelerate purchasing practices improvements’. The panel discussed obstacles hindering the acceleration of purchasing practices and explored strategies for utilizing BBI data to address these challenges and promote optimal practices for driving change.
The speakers on the panel were Marsha Dickson from Better Buying Institute, Michael Levine from Under Armour, Nikhil Hirdaramani from Hirdaramani Apparel, Pat Noonan from SanMar Corporation, Stanley Szeto from Lever Style, Marc Beckmann from GIZ-FABRIC, and Janet Mensink from SLCP.
14 February | Supplier Journey with Walmart
Anant Ahuja, spoke at the Walmart Growth Summit 2024 in a panel titled ‘Supplier Journey with Walmart.’
He discussed Shahi’s journey with Walmart, highlighting our collaborative efforts. He stated, “Our supplier journey with Walmart spans over three decades. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to continuously improve, aligning perfectly with our values. By investing in the supply chain, we aim to grow the positive impacts our business can have.”
As we mark 50 years, we reflect on a journey defined by purpose—one that has guided us beyond fashion and business. Over the years, Shahi has grown into more than just a /manufacturer; we have become a company driven by innovation, sustainability, and a deep commitment to empowering people. This journey began with the vision of our founder, Mrs. Sarla Ahuja, whose dedication and hard work laid the foundation for our growth.
Her focus on excellence and attention to detail continues to shape our approach toward our work today. As we look ahead, we remain committed to a sustainable, purpose-driven path, learning from our experiences and always striving to do more.
Our Approach to Growth
Shahi’s journey started with a simple home operation, with just Rs. 5000 as initial capital. From the beginning, the company embraced a mindset of constantly asking, “What more can we do?”
This approach guided us through early challenges and paved the way for growth, starting with our first factory at Ranjeet Nagar in New Delhi. As we scaled our production, we expanded to Okhla and then to Faridabad, continuing to expand our operations and meet the emerging needs of the garment industry.
Woven products, however, are highly seasonal. In the markets in which our brands operated, Shahi saw an opportunity to foray into the Knitted apparel space. This led to the creation of the Knits Division in 2001—a logical step that helped balance our operations. What began with a small office under a tree in Tiruppur soon became essential to our growth, opening up new markets and strengthening our presence, particularly in South India.
By 2005, Shahi was incorporated as a private limited company, a key milestone in our journey. At the same time, we strategically refined our operations by demerging woven operations into two divisions: Ladies Specialty Division (LSD) and Mens and Bottoms (MNB). Alongside the Knits Division, these independent units were given the flexibility to innovate and adapt to market needs while always staying true to Shahi’s core values of continuous improvement and quality standards.
From Yarn to Excellence: Driving Vertical Integration
In 1996, Shahi took a decisive step by establishing its first mill, Sarla Fabrics Ltd. (SFL), in Ghaziabad. What began as a small operation with just 100 workers, SFL set the foundation for our vertical integration strategy. Over time, we expanded to four mills, increasing our capacity to weave 86 million meters and knit 144 megatons of fabric annually.
With the expansion, the journey was about transforming the way we approached manufacturing. The ability to control the entire process, from yarn to finished fabric, became essential to maintaining the quality, speed, and traceability our clients expect. Vertical integration allowed us to boost efficiency and ensure consistency.
We didn’t just stop at manufacturing apparel— we developed strong capabilities in product design with 3D and VR tools and an accredited lab. We created a seamless process that not only delivers precision but also ensures each garment embodies the quality and innovation Shahi is known for. Today, this approach has made us a one-stop manufacturing destination, capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global apparel industry while maintaining our commitment to excellence and sustainable growth.
Pioneering Sustainable Practices
In 2010, Shahi embarked on a new chapter with the launch of our Denim Division. Given the resource-intensive nature of denim production, this expansion pushed us to think differently and adopt more sustainable practices. One of the key initiatives was rainwater harvesting, which helped to conserve resources. A couple of years later, we became one of the first to adopt the HIGG standard and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) program.
By 2018, we saw an opportunity to expand our sustainability efforts even further. We invested in solar power projects in Karnataka’s Bellary and Bidar districts to reduce emissions and transition toward renewable energy. These solar plants, combined with our wind energy, now meet 70% of Shahi’s energy needs with a goal to achieve 100% by 2026.
As we continued progressing, the next logical step was tackling waste and moving towards a circular fashion model. In the same year, we worked on the “Arth” collection with C&A, which achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold status. This collection marked a milestone in our efforts to close the loop in fashion production.
These initiatives laid the groundwork for the ‘Responsible for People and Planet’ framework. The framework is a holistic approach that weaves together our environmental and social strategy. Every step, from water conservation to renewable energy and circularity, drives a single goal: to create a sustainable future that benefits both the planet and its people.
Investing in People
Our founder believed in the power of skill training to transform lives. Capacity Building empowers people to make a living, drive aspirations, and influence the community around them for good. In the early years, she trained women who were seeking jobs. Mrs. Ahuja would guide them in managing finances, investing in their children’s education, and securing their future. To further support financial independence, Shahi was one of the first factories to introduce ATMs within its factory.
As we grew, we realized the potential of this industry for social impact, with the entry barrier being as low as 60-90 days. Our experience positioned Shahi as a strategic stakeholder in the Textile Sector Skills Council and schemes like the Deen Dayal Grameen Kaushal Yojana under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Since 2013, Shahi has set up over 100 skill centers across 11 Indian states, training more than 51,000 women and youth. We took our founder’s mission a step further by becoming the first manufacturer to pilot Gap Inc.’s Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.)¹ in 2007. We have trained over 86,000 women in essential soft and life skillslike communication, financial management, and work-life balance.
Worker well-being at Shahi is backed by collaborative research programs. Our dedication to evidence-based decision-making is reflected in all employee well-being programs. Our partnership with Good Business Lab (GBL)led to the introduction of Inache, a multilingual, anonymous grievance tool that ensures safe and secure employee feedback.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in building a knowledge base for worker well-being and business growth. With a workforce of over 100,000, 70% of whom are women, Shahi continues to go above and beyond, fostering an environment where every individual is supported, empowered, and valued.
Looking Beyond
As Shahi marks 50 years, we reflect on a journey defined by more than just growth—it’s been about challenging norms, pushing boundaries, and driving meaningful change. A commitment to experimentation has marked our legacy. In the competitive garment manufacturing sector, where stagnation is not an option, Shahi has always embraced new ideas.
We choose to see an opportunity in the garment sector, where high attrition is often seen as inevitable. We are committed to reimagining the workplace, creating a space where our employees can thrive.
As we look to the future, we are guided by the same ethos that has shaped our past—continually asking, “What more can we do?” With that, we are ready to shape the future of fashion and beyond.
¹ Gap Inc. P.A.C.E. is now RISE:Reimagining Industry to Support Equality, an initiative that brings together the four largest women’s empowerment programs in the apparel industry—BSR’s HERproject, Gap Inc. P.A.C.E, CARE International, and Better Work—to build upwards from proven approaches, scale impact, and improve efficiency.
