History of ILTA
The Indian Leather Technologists’ Association (ILTA) has its origins rooted in the year 1950, when it was first established as the Leather Technologists’ Association (India). The visionary Prof. B. M. Das assumed the role of the first President, while Prof. Moni Banerjee joined as the pioneering General Secretary. Their commitment laid the foundation for a movement that would go on to represent the collective voice of the leather industry in India and beyond.
In 1957, the Association was formally incorporated under the Companies Act and adopted its present name – Indian Leather Technologists’ Association – marking a new chapter in its journey of growth, excellence, and service to the leather sector.
What began as a modest initiative over six decades ago has now evolved into a prestigious national organization. ILTA was envisioned as a unifying platform, bringing together technologists, professionals, scientists, and academicians who are passionately devoted to the advancement of leather and allied technologies across India. Today, ILTA boasts an extensive and diverse membership base that spans across the country and reaches into the international community.
Through its Regional Centres, ILTA actively engages with professionals and institutions across India, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development. The Association is proud to have attracted members from every sphere of the leather and allied industries – including tanning, footwear, leather goods, chemicals, and education – and continues to grow in strength and influence.
Over the years, ILTA has been shaped and guided by many eminent personalities whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Esteemed leaders such as Padmashri Dr. Y. Nayudamma, Padmashri Mr. Nagappa Chettiar, Mr. V. P. Pandit, Mr. S. P. Pandit, Mr. Sanjoy Sen, and Dr. T. Ramasami have served as Presidents or Vice Presidents of the Association. Their legacies are a source of inspiration and are revered with deep respect by all members of the community.
Presently, ILTA is led by Mr. Arnab Jha, who continues to carry forward the mission and vision of the Association with renewed dedication and strategic foresight.
Since 1956, ILTA has proudly represented India as a member society of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) – a globally recognized organization with a history spanning over a century. ILTA is the only body from India affiliated with IULTCS, contributing to international dialogue, research, and policy-making in the field of leather technology.
A major milestone in ILTA’s international engagement came in January 1999, when – for the first time in its history – the IULTCS Congress was held in a developing country: India. Hosted at CLRI, Chennai, this landmark event was organized under the dynamic leadership of the late Mr. Sanjoy Sen, who was then serving as both President of ILTA and IULTCS, alongside Dr. T. Ramasami, then Vice President of ILTA and Director of CLRI. The Congress was a resounding success and firmly established India’s stature in the global leather scientific community.
In recognition of India’s growing influence and ILTA’s continued contribution, the IULTCS Congress was again scheduled to be held in India in 2017, further cementing the Association’s international repute.
To further strengthen its presence and consolidate its activities, ILTA took a significant step by constructing its own dedicated headquarters – a six-storied building located at 44, Shanti Pally, Kasba, Kolkata – 700107. The building has been aptly named “Sanjoy Bhavan”, in memory of Late Mr. Sanjoy Sen, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire generations of leather technologists.
Sanjoy Bhavan stands today not only as a physical hub for ILTA’s administrative and intellectual pursuits, but also as a symbol of the Association’s enduring commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service to the industry.