Chandigarh, 14 February 2025: Manu Indrayan, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across financial consulting, manufacturing, e-commerce, and retail fashion, delivered an insightful lecture on “Beyond the Runway – The Financial Foundation of Fashion” at University Institute of Fashion Technology & Vocational Development (UIFT & VD), Panjab University.
The lecture was organised by Prabhdip Brar Ph.D, Chairperson UIFT & VD
During his lecture, Mr Indrayan emphasised the critical role of financial management in the success of fashion brands, explaining how financial mismanagement often leads to brand failures. He also discussed the key elements of brand creation, supply chain management, and financial decision-making in the retail sector.
Speaking to the students, Indrayan stated, “Financial literacy is crucial for sustaining creativity in the fashion industry.” He also introduced various courses offered by Cohesive Minds, a platform he currently leads, which focuses on equipping students and professionals with practical skills in entrepreneurship, business management, and professional careers. Dr Ramandeep Bawa convened the lecture . 
A graduate of BITS Pilani (Engineering) and IIM Bangalore (Finance), Indrayan began his career at Arthur Andersen before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 24. He co-founded 612 League, one of India’s pioneering kidswear brands, which expanded to over 500 points of sale across the country. Having navigated the complexities of launching and scaling a fashion brand, he provided students with real-world insights into the financial aspects of the fashion industry.
The session provided a valuable perspective on the intersection of fashion and finance, broadening students’ understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities within the industry. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students engaged with Indrayan on various aspects of financial planning and brand sustainability.