Ahmedabad, India – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, May 27, 2024, proposed the establishment of a dedicated industry-linked vertical at the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad. Speaking at the institute's 43rd convocation ceremony, Mr. Shah articulated a vision for design education that more closely integrates with industrial demands, aiming to foster innovation and bolster the nation's manufacturing sector. He drew a parallel, stating the proposed vertical could transform the design landscape in India much like the Indian Premier League (IPL) impacted cricket.

Mr. Shah emphasized that such a vertical would serve to align NID's curriculum and research directly with the requirements of various industries. The objective, he elaborated, is to propel the "Design in India" initiative, complementing the existing "Make in India" program by ensuring that products manufactured domestically also feature world-class design. This move is intended to position India not just as a manufacturing hub but also as a global leader in design innovation, catering to both national and international markets.

During his address, Mr. Shah highlighted India's current economic trajectory, noting its position as the world's fifth-largest economy and a rapidly emerging hub for startups. He underscored the critical role that design plays in the success of these ventures and the broader industrial ecosystem. By fostering a direct link between design students and industrial challenges, the proposed vertical aims to equip graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills, thereby reducing the gap between academic output and market needs. He also stated that design is a key component for India's aspiration to become a developed nation ("Viksit Bharat").

Key aspects of the Union Home Minister's proposal include:

  • Bridging Academia-Industry Gap: Creating a structured pathway for design students to collaborate with industries on real-world projects, enhancing practical skill development.
  • Promoting "Design in India": Elevating the quality and originality of Indian product design to enhance global competitiveness and brand recognition.
  • Fostering Innovation and Startups: Encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage advanced design principles for product development and problem-solving, contributing to the startup ecosystem.
  • Strengthening Manufacturing: Supporting the "Make in India" initiative by integrating superior design into the manufacturing process, ensuring products are not only made in India but also designed in India to global standards.
  • Global Design Hub Ambition: Positioning NID, and by extension India, as a significant center for design excellence on the international stage, attracting talent and investment.

Mr. Shah urged the graduating designers to consider their role in contributing to this national vision by focusing on indigenous design solutions that meet the specific needs of Indian consumers and industries. He also encouraged them to avoid simply imitating Western designs, advocating for original Indian design identities. The proposal suggests a strategic shift towards making design a core component of economic growth and self-reliance, with the potential to transform design education and its impact on the national economy over the next two decades.

While specific implementation details for the industry-linked vertical were not outlined during the convocation, Mr. Shah's remarks indicate a clear governmental focus on enhancing the practical utility and economic impact of design education in India. The initiative is expected to prompt further discussions and policy development within NID and relevant ministries to shape its structure and curriculum, aiming to integrate design more deeply into national economic strategies.