Indian Institute of Art and Design conducts orientation for its newcomers

The Indian Institute of Art and Design conducted the Orientation Day for its third batch of design students at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The purpose of this event was to formally initiate the students into their chosen design disciplines and introduce them to various resources that will enhance their academic experience at IIAD.

Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, was the Chief Guest for the occasion and addressed the gathering on the need and scope of design education. He stated that “Design heavily influences our perceptions and ability to interact with the product.” He gave insights into the role of art and design in giving impetus to Indian Industry, its ubiquitous presence in our everyday lives, and its significance in India’s soft power strategy.  He was of the opinion that India needs to up skill their workforce as design plays a vital role in economic development and therefore, needs to lay more emphasis on manufacturing.

Right crowd: Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, was the Chief Guest

He further added that as per World Intellectual Property Organization (a Geneva based UN agency), India is training behind several countries including the emerging economies in Asia in the field of design and innovation. It is about time that India actively participates in streamlining the education structure and initiating more focused courses across industrial segments. He concluded by congratulating the proactive role that IIAD has taken to prepare design professionals for the emergent needs of our nation.

IIAD’s Founder Director, Dr Jitin Chadha, also interacted with the students and their parents through his welcome address. He shed light on the educational philosophy of IIAD as an institution that is committed to grooming ethical, reflective and entrepreneurial designers, design thinkers and problem solvers who are not just industry-ready but life-ready. Through his address, he gave a code to the design aspirants to live by - that of wholeheartedly committing themselves to creativity and learning.

Design heavily influences our perceptions and ability to interact with the product

Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament

The occasion also included an inspirational speech by the Dean, Professor Usha Nehru Patel who elaborated on the role of educators and the moral, ethical and academic responsibilities of sincere learners. She also spoke about the importance of Design as an integral element of our existence and how it has the power to bring about immense change in the world.

On the occasion, the new batch of students were also introduced to the faculty and staff of IIAD. Head of Administration, Simrat Joshi, took them through the highlights of the Course Book to give them a brief overview of the year ahead and what it would entail.