MANTRA (The Man Made Textiles Research Association), established in 1981, is one of the eight national level Textiles Research Associations (TRAs) approved by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and recognized as SIRO by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research[cite: 1]. MANTRA is registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 and Society Registration Act, 1860[cite: 2].

Originating from the need to support the growing MAN-MADE TEXTILES industry in Surat, South Gujarat, MANTRA was established along lines similar to other National Textile Research Associations[cite: 2, 3]. Its primary goal was to conduct research and development, and provide testing and technical services to the man-made fibre textiles industry and allied sectors in the region[cite: 4].

The Centre for Garment Technology at MANTRA focuses on advancing the textile and apparel industry through various programs[cite: 5]. It offers skill-based education and training courses, ranging from three months to three years, designed to prepare individuals for roles such as operators, supervisors, mid-management professionals, and entrepreneurs[cite: 6].

Expert teams at the Centre provide crucial assistance with factory setup, productivity improvements, sample development, and offer guidance on government schemes and international standards[cite: 7]. Located strategically in South Gujarat, the centre also advocates for the regional textile and apparel sector nationally and internationally[cite: 8].

MANTRA has an MOU with Kaushalya - The Skill University, Ahmedabad[cite: 9]. Through this affiliation, it offers specialized one-year courses in Fashion Design & Garment Technology and a three-month course in Jacquard Design[cite: 10]. Additional short-term courses include Digital Design, Sketching, Women’s Wear, Advanced Pattern Making with CAD, Hand Embroidery, Fashion Merchandising, and various supervisory/specialized operational roles[cite: 11, 12].