Dean – Product Design (Vishwakarma Skills University),
President – Alliance Francaise Jaipur,
Secretary – Textiles and Clothing Research Center
Prof. (Dr) Toolika Gupta, the Director of the Indian Institute of Crafts and design, Jaipur since 2017, is a researcher, designer, author, educator and an academic administrator. After completing her Post Graduation from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, she began her career as a designer in 1996, joining academics at NIFT, New Delhi in 2005. To follow her research interests, she resigned from NIFT to pursue her PhD at the University of Glasgow, UK, (2012-2016), while being a PhD fellow with the Center for Textile Research, (CTR), Denmark. Back in India, along with likeminded people she formed the Textiles and Clothing Research Center (TCRC), Delhi in 2016. Her research interests include Fashion and textile history, revival of Indian handicrafts and culture, craft cluster initiatives, and craft business incubation. She is on the Board of Studies of many design institutes, Secretary of TCRC and Dean-Product Design of Vishwakarma Skills University Jaipur, Rajasthan. Since 2022 she is also the President of Alliance Francaise of Jaipur.
Dean – Product Design (Vishwakarma Skills University),
President – Alliance Francaise Jaipur,
Secretary – Textiles and Clothing Research Center
Prof. (Dr) Toolika Gupta, the Director of the Indian Institute of Crafts and design, Jaipur since 2017, is a researcher, designer, author, educator and an academic administrator. After completing her Post Graduation from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, she began her career as a designer in 1996, joining academics at NIFT, New Delhi in 2005. To follow her research interests, she resigned from NIFT to pursue her PhD at the University of Glasgow, UK, (2012-2016), while being a PhD fellow with the Center for Textile Research, (CTR), Denmark. Back in India, along with likeminded people she formed the Textiles and Clothing Research Center (TCRC), Delhi in 2016. Her research interests include Fashion and textile history, revival of Indian handicrafts and culture, craft cluster initiatives, and craft business incubation. She is on the Board of Studies of many design institutes, Secretary of TCRC and Dean-Product Design of Vishwakarma Skills University Jaipur, Rajasthan. Since 2022 she is also the President of Alliance Francaise of Jaipur.
MA from Slade School of Fine Art, University College London; MFA from M.S. University, Vadodara, and BFA from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan.
She received a Commonwealth Scholarship to study at University College London. On a French Government Scholarship she was artist-in- residence at CAMAC, Centre d’Art, Marnay-sur- Seine, France. She did a Swiss Arts Council’s Research Residency at Lucerne School of Art & Design Switzerland. She was a recipient of Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She worked as a Resource Person with Krishnamurti Foundation, Varanasi. As an associate with an NGO Nirman, she worked in collaboration with the artisans of Banaras.
She is a recipient of the Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship for research at George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
She was an Art & Design Consultant at ‘A Square Designs’- an interior design company in Kolkata, when she co-curated ‘Juxtapose’ an Art & Design show in Kolkata. She conceptualized, directed, costume-designed and performed a dance based video art – ‘Gently, into the other side of time’.
MA from Slade School of Fine Art, University College London; MFA from M.S. University, Vadodara, and BFA from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan.
She received a Commonwealth Scholarship to study at University College London. On a French Government Scholarship she was artist-in- residence at CAMAC, Centre d’Art, Marnay-sur- Seine, France. She did a Swiss Arts Council’s Research Residency at Lucerne School of Art & Design Switzerland. She was a recipient of Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She worked as a Resource Person with Krishnamurti Foundation, Varanasi. As an associate with an NGO Nirman, she worked in collaboration with the artisans of Banaras.
She is a recipient of the Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship for research at George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
She was an Art & Design Consultant at ‘A Square Designs’- an interior design company in Kolkata, when she co-curated ‘Juxtapose’ an Art & Design show in Kolkata. She conceptualized, directed, costume-designed and performed a dance based video art – ‘Gently, into the other side of time’.
Dr. Bessie Cecil, an alumna of Chennai's College of Arts and Crafts and a Ph.D. graduate in Textile Design from the University of Madras, is a distinguished expert in Indian textiles. With over 20 years of experience, she has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Nehru UK Visiting Fellowship, Fulbright Doctoral Fellowship, National Heritage Board's Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, and the Charles Wallace Fellowship.
Her research spans a wide spectrum, from reviving extinct crafts to documenting living traditions. As a prominent curator, she has contributed to exhibitions such as Batik Sutra – Tagore Travel and Textiles and Sutras – Colours of Nature, and collaborated with institutions like the Kalakshetra Foundation.
Dr. Cecil’s expertise is nationally recognized, serving on significant jury panels and contributing to India’s 75th Independence celebrations. Currently an independent researcher, she is working on two notable books, A Journey with Khadi and Weaving India, both limited-edition publications incorporating fabric swatches to offer a tactile and visual documentation of India’s textile heritage. Her ongoing projects include an in-depth study of Chettinadu saris and the natural indigo traditions of Tamil Nadu, further reflecting her commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s rich craft legacy.
Dr. Bessie Cecil, an alumna of Chennai's College of Arts and Crafts and a Ph.D. graduate in Textile Design from the University of Madras, is a distinguished expert in Indian textiles. With over 20 years of experience, she has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Nehru UK Visiting Fellowship, Fulbright Doctoral Fellowship, National Heritage Board's Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, and the Charles Wallace Fellowship.
Her research spans a wide spectrum, from reviving extinct crafts to documenting living traditions. As a prominent curator, she has contributed to exhibitions such as Batik Sutra – Tagore Travel and Textiles and Sutras – Colours of Nature, and collaborated with institutions like the Kalakshetra Foundation.
Dr. Cecil’s expertise is nationally recognized, serving on significant jury panels and contributing to India’s 75th Independence celebrations. Currently an independent researcher, she is working on two notable books, A Journey with Khadi and Weaving India, both limited-edition publications incorporating fabric swatches to offer a tactile and visual documentation of India’s textile heritage. Her ongoing projects include an in-depth study of Chettinadu saris and the natural indigo traditions of Tamil Nadu, further reflecting her commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s rich craft legacy.
Prof. (Dr) Rena Mehta has completed her Ph.D. in the field of Apparel & Textiles from IIS University, Jaipur. She has completed her M.Sc. from M.S. University Vadodara. She has teaching experience of 16 years in academics and research with several International & National Research Publications in the field of Fashion, Apparel & Textiles. She has served IIS University Jaipur for more than ten years and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal for two years in the capacity of Associate Professor. She has also worked on government-funded projects by agencies like the University Grants Commission, Textile Committee, Ministry of Textiles, and Khadi Gramya. Also, to her credit are two Industrial Design Patents and two literary copyrights. Her areas of interest include Research, Craft Documentation, Draping, Indian Textiles, Textile Dyeing & Printing, and Textile Chemistry.
Prof. (Dr) Rena Mehta has completed her Ph.D. in the field of Apparel & Textiles from IIS University, Jaipur. She has completed her M.Sc. from M.S. University Vadodara. She has teaching experience of 16 years in academics and research with several International & National Research Publications in the field of Fashion, Apparel & Textiles. She has served IIS University Jaipur for more than ten years and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal for two years in the capacity of Associate Professor. She has also worked on government-funded projects by agencies like the University Grants Commission, Textile Committee, Ministry of Textiles, and Khadi Gramya. Also, to her credit are two Industrial Design Patents and two literary copyrights. Her areas of interest include Research, Craft Documentation, Draping, Indian Textiles, Textile Dyeing & Printing, and Textile Chemistry.
M.Des (Textile Design) from NID, B.V.A from Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata. At present she is pursuing PhD from Banasthali.
She has worked as a design practitioner, a design consultant and academician for over 15 years, in different companies & organizations and has gained experience in the areas of Home Fashion, Car Interior sectors & Traditional Crafts. With her experiences in design research and implementation phase, she establishes herself as a strategist team leader, team player and an expert in field of design education. She has various areas of expertise like surface ornamentation, illustrations, product developments and traditional crafts.
M.Des (Textile Design) from NID, B.V.A from Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata. At present she is pursuing PhD from Banasthali.
She has worked as a design practitioner, a design consultant and academician for over 15 years, in different companies & organizations and has gained experience in the areas of Home Fashion, Car Interior sectors & Traditional Crafts. With her experiences in design research and implementation phase, she establishes herself as a strategist team leader, team player and an expert in field of design education. She has various areas of expertise like surface ornamentation, illustrations, product developments and traditional crafts.
BFA in Ceramics and Pottery from Sir. J. J. School of Arts, University of Mumbai.
He started his career as a designer in 2002, moving into education as a faculty member at Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai and later in 2006 joined IICD, Jaipur as (Fired Material Design) FMD faculty. He initiated and offered FMD program in 2009-10 and became course coordinator of FMD Program. Over the years, he has worked with traditional potters from different parts of India, on various design and skill development projects. His areas of expertise are clay body & glaze development, kiln development, setting up of ceramic production methods and design process for cluster based product developments.
BFA in Ceramics and Pottery from Sir. J. J. School of Arts, University of Mumbai.
He started his career as a designer in 2002, moving into education as a faculty member at Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai and later in 2006 joined IICD, Jaipur as (Fired Material Design) FMD faculty. He initiated and offered FMD program in 2009-10 and became course coordinator of FMD Program. Over the years, he has worked with traditional potters from different parts of India, on various design and skill development projects. His areas of expertise are clay body & glaze development, kiln development, setting up of ceramic production methods and design process for cluster based product developments.
BA in English Literature from ICG Jaipur; B.Des.(Fashion Design) NIFT Chennai. She is an alumna of Goldsmiths College, University of London, London.
She is a design consultant and educator with long standing work experience in the field of: design, craft & social entrepreneurship and design education, aspiring to make a sincere contribution to the development of craft sector in India. She has more than 15 years of experience in apparel industry working as a designer for both domestic and International brands like Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, D.C. Shoes, etc.
Swati cofounded a craft based social enterprise in Jaipur that was founded upon the vision of reviving rich Indian art and craft and to support the artisans and rural population with sustainable employment. She has been a consultant to craft based brands like Ratan textiles, Jaipur in the area of Brand strategy, Operations planning, Visual merchandizing etc.
Her interest areas are- Crafts, Sustainable Fashion & livelihoods, Responsible consumption & production, Business Modelling, Travelling and Food.
BA in English Literature from ICG Jaipur; B.Des.(Fashion Design) NIFT Chennai. She is an alumna of Goldsmiths College, University of London, London.
She is a design consultant and educator with long standing work experience in the field of: design, craft & social entrepreneurship and design education, aspiring to make a sincere contribution to the development of craft sector in India. She has more than 15 years of experience in apparel industry working as a designer for both domestic and International brands like Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, D.C. Shoes, etc.
Swati cofounded a craft based social enterprise in Jaipur that was founded upon the vision of reviving rich Indian art and craft and to support the artisans and rural population with sustainable employment. She has been a consultant to craft based brands like Ratan textiles, Jaipur in the area of Brand strategy, Operations planning, Visual merchandizing etc.
Her interest areas are- Crafts, Sustainable Fashion & livelihoods, Responsible consumption & production, Business Modelling, Travelling and Food.
B.Des. in Accessory Design from NIFT, Gandhinagar.
He started his career as designer in 2004. Later he joined NIFT, Gandhinagar as Assistant Professor in 2006. He has keen interest in geometry & its application. By using computational design tools he designed and executed the interior of a restaurant. As part of the bridge programme (NIFT,UG, 2015), he developed a MOOC “3D Geometry for Product Designer”. His core areas include Lifestyle Product Design, Interior Design, 3D Printing, Computational Design and Physical Computing. His portfolio can be viewed at https://www.jaggerydreams.wordpress.com.
B.Des. in Accessory Design from NIFT, Gandhinagar.
He started his career as designer in 2004. Later he joined NIFT, Gandhinagar as Assistant Professor in 2006. He has keen interest in geometry & its application. By using computational design tools he designed and executed the interior of a restaurant. As part of the bridge programme (NIFT,UG, 2015), he developed a MOOC “3D Geometry for Product Designer”. His core areas include Lifestyle Product Design, Interior Design, 3D Printing, Computational Design and Physical Computing. His portfolio can be viewed at https://www.jaggerydreams.wordpress.com.
MVA (painting) from Govt. College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata (University of Calcutta); currently pursuing a PhD in painting (terracotta relief tiles of Bardhman district) from the University of Calcutta.
He started his career as a freelance artist in 2010, moving on to education as a faculty member at The IIS University, Jaipur from 2012 to 2014, he has worked with Rawat PG Girls College, Manipal University, Jaipur before coming to IICD. He is a founding member and secretary of Pratibha Educational Development and Research Society, Jaipur. Besides this, he is also working as a professional artist.
His many paintings are in collections of Indian government offices like JDA Jaipur, income tax office and also abroad. He had participated in numerous national and international exhibitions and workshops. He had done many art and design related government projects with IICD.
MVA (painting) from Govt. College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata (University of Calcutta); currently pursuing a PhD in painting (terracotta relief tiles of Bardhman district) from the University of Calcutta.
He started his career as a freelance artist in 2010, moving on to education as a faculty member at The IIS University, Jaipur from 2012 to 2014, he has worked with Rawat PG Girls College, Manipal University, Jaipur before coming to IICD. He is a founding member and secretary of Pratibha Educational Development and Research Society, Jaipur. Besides this, he is also working as a professional artist.
His many paintings are in collections of Indian government offices like JDA Jaipur, income tax office and also abroad. He had participated in numerous national and international exhibitions and workshops. He had done many art and design related government projects with IICD.
PG Diploma in Fashion Design (Pearl Academy, Jaipur), PG Diploma in International Business (Scdl, Pune) M.Com in Business Administration (University Of Rajasthan, Jaipur). At present he is Pursuing Ph.D. from Amity University, Jaipur
He started his professional career in 2009. He has more than 10 years of work experience in industry as well as academics. He has written research papers in national & international journals and participated in various conferences and workshops. His core area of expertise is pattern making & garment construction.
PG Diploma in Fashion Design (Pearl Academy, Jaipur), PG Diploma in International Business (Scdl, Pune) M.Com in Business Administration (University Of Rajasthan, Jaipur). At present he is Pursuing Ph.D. from Amity University, Jaipur
He started his professional career in 2009. He has more than 10 years of work experience in industry as well as academics. He has written research papers in national & international journals and participated in various conferences and workshops. His core area of expertise is pattern making & garment construction.
MBA in Operations Management; 4 years Under Graduate Professional Diploma in Craft Design (Hard Material Application) from Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur (IICD),
He has been working in the industry for the past ten years and has been teaching in IICD since 2013. His area of expertise is in lifestyle and accessory design, furniture design, geometry and object drawing. He has explored various craft techniques and has used materials like bamboo, wood and metal. He has done various projects; The Mumbai International Project (MIAL) and the Human Resource Department (HRD) to name a few.
MBA in Operations Management; 4 years Under Graduate Professional Diploma in Craft Design (Hard Material Application) from Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur (IICD),
He has been working in the industry for the past ten years and has been teaching in IICD since 2013. His area of expertise is in lifestyle and accessory design, furniture design, geometry and object drawing. He has explored various craft techniques and has used materials like bamboo, wood and metal. He has done various projects; The Mumbai International Project (MIAL) and the Human Resource Department (HRD) to name a few.
MBA (specialization in Apparel Management) from University of Madras and B. Des in Fashion Design from NIFT Chennai. He is UGC NET qualified in management. He is also pursuing a “Master of Education” from Swami Vivekanand Subharti University.
Rajesh started his professional career in 2004 and has more than 17 years of work experience in Industry and Academics. He has also worked as Design Consultant to EPFO, Govt. of India.
MBA (specialization in Apparel Management) from University of Madras and B. Des in Fashion Design from NIFT Chennai. He is UGC NET qualified in management. He is also pursuing a “Master of Education” from Swami Vivekanand Subharti University.
Rajesh started his professional career in 2004 and has more than 17 years of work experience in Industry and Academics. He has also worked as Design Consultant to EPFO, Govt. of India.
Since childhood, Ravinder was fascinated by Craft & Design. In his schooling phase, he was introduced to Textile Design which led him to the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad. There he studied Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories Design. The urge of exploring Glass and ceramic materials took him to Goodearth Pvt. Ltd., where he explored the diversity of crafts. Afterward, his zeal moved him to Ahmedabad where he pursued his Post Graduation in Glass and Ceramic Design from the National Institute of Design. Later on, his curiosity about exploring the variety of areas took him to Banana Pottery Studios, Oasis Ceramics, and Klove Studios and then he started his studio named Cocoboro and experimented on glass flamework. He then began his academic journey in 2019, starting from Bhawar Rathode Design Studio and then moved to Presidency University, Bangalore. Currently, he is using his experiences in his experimentation and teaching at the Indian Institute of Craft and Design (IICD), Jaipur. His areas of expertise are Glass material & Flamework, glass studio setup, hand-building processes for ceramics and glass production, design process, and industrial design.
Since childhood, Ravinder was fascinated by Craft & Design. In his schooling phase, he was introduced to Textile Design which led him to the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad. There he studied Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories Design. The urge of exploring Glass and ceramic materials took him to Goodearth Pvt. Ltd., where he explored the diversity of crafts. Afterward, his zeal moved him to Ahmedabad where he pursued his Post Graduation in Glass and Ceramic Design from the National Institute of Design. Later on, his curiosity about exploring the variety of areas took him to Banana Pottery Studios, Oasis Ceramics, and Klove Studios and then he started his studio named Cocoboro and experimented on glass flamework. He then began his academic journey in 2019, starting from Bhawar Rathode Design Studio and then moved to Presidency University, Bangalore. Currently, he is using his experiences in his experimentation and teaching at the Indian Institute of Craft and Design (IICD), Jaipur. His areas of expertise are Glass material & Flamework, glass studio setup, hand-building processes for ceramics and glass production, design process, and industrial design.
A multi-faceted designer, with over a decade in the Indian fashion industry. I enjoy designing unique products and love to combine our design heritage with modern sensibilities. With an extremely diverse work history, something that I have truly enjoyed throughout all my experiences are the meaningful interactions with the people that I work with; artisans, designers, export houses, educational institutes. I love the various design processes and challenges that each project throws at me, all the while working towards making a positive impact on people’s lives.
A multi-faceted designer, with over a decade in the Indian fashion industry. I enjoy designing unique products and love to combine our design heritage with modern sensibilities. With an extremely diverse work history, something that I have truly enjoyed throughout all my experiences are the meaningful interactions with the people that I work with; artisans, designers, export houses, educational institutes. I love the various design processes and challenges that each project throws at me, all the while working towards making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Dhruvswamini, an alumnus of NID Ahmedabad (Ceramics and Glass discipline, 2013-16) and IICD Jaipur (Fired Material Application, 2009-13), is a designer, entrepreneur and design educator. She went as an exchange student at College of Fine Arts, UNSW Australia (2014), where she got an opportunity interact with design faculty and students from all over the world. She has a wide and varied work experience in the industry, studios, craft clusters and academics.
As an educator she has taught at NID Jorhat, Pearl Academy Jaipur, Govt Women Polytechnic Colleges (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) and Pathways World School, Aravali, Gurgaon. Her diversified learning experience is a result of hands on work at companies like Arta Broch Pvt Ltd Vadodara, Dileep Ceramics Jaipur, Ochre CeramicsAnand, Jaigarh Charitable Trust Jaipur and Bharat Potteries Pvt Ltd Jaipur.
Being an Army wife, she has embraced the art and craft of diverse regions of the country she gets posted to and this exposure echoes in the products created at ‘Studio Eedha’ her solo venture. Time to time she conducts workshops related to clay, papier mache and paper for army wives as part of vocational training.
Currently, she is teaching at IICD as an Assistant Professor in the Fired Material Design Department. She is managing portfolios like International and National Linkages and Alumni Relations.
Dhruvswamini, an alumnus of NID Ahmedabad (Ceramics and Glass discipline, 2013-16) and IICD Jaipur (Fired Material Application, 2009-13), is a designer, entrepreneur and design educator. She went as an exchange student at College of Fine Arts, UNSW Australia (2014), where she got an opportunity interact with design faculty and students from all over the world. She has a wide and varied work experience in the industry, studios, craft clusters and academics.
As an educator she has taught at NID Jorhat, Pearl Academy Jaipur, Govt Women Polytechnic Colleges (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) and Pathways World School, Aravali, Gurgaon. Her diversified learning experience is a result of hands on work at companies like Arta Broch Pvt Ltd Vadodara, Dileep Ceramics Jaipur, Ochre CeramicsAnand, Jaigarh Charitable Trust Jaipur and Bharat Potteries Pvt Ltd Jaipur.
Being an Army wife, she has embraced the art and craft of diverse regions of the country she gets posted to and this exposure echoes in the products created at ‘Studio Eedha’ her solo venture. Time to time she conducts workshops related to clay, papier mache and paper for army wives as part of vocational training.
Currently, she is teaching at IICD as an Assistant Professor in the Fired Material Design Department. She is managing portfolios like International and National Linkages and Alumni Relations.
Susmita Dutta is a Textile Designer, Design Educator, and an Artist. In 2012, she completed her Master’s Degree from National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad. She achieved a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from the Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata. She is a Ph.D scholar at Banasthali University, Jaipur. Her field of expertise is Textile Design, with an emphasis on methods that are Hand-Crafted and Hand-Printed.
She is a lifelong learner and thinks that the greatest method to get knowledge is through
“learning by doing.”
She enjoys working with a range of materials, various design techniques, craftsmanship, art, creativity, sustainability, and spirituality as a Design Practitioner.
Susmita Dutta is a Textile Designer, Design Educator, and an Artist. In 2012, she completed her Master’s Degree from National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad. She achieved a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from the Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata. She is a Ph.D scholar at Banasthali University, Jaipur. Her field of expertise is Textile Design, with an emphasis on methods that are Hand-Crafted and Hand-Printed.
She is a lifelong learner and thinks that the greatest method to get knowledge is through
“learning by doing.”
She enjoys working with a range of materials, various design techniques, craftsmanship, art, creativity, sustainability, and spirituality as a Design Practitioner.
Abhishek holds a Masters in Media & Cultural Studies (Cultural Anthropology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai & has also done a PG-Diploma in Public Relations, Advertisement & Marketing from YMCA, Delhi. His Undergrad was in Mass Communication for which he cleared a UGC-NET in 2018. He also participated in the Faculty Development Programme of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
He is predominantly a storyteller who dabbles with various forms & applications of communication across mediums such as Print, Advertisement, Films & Marketing. Abhishek was previously working with Production Designers in Mumbai as Consultant Researcher for client Ad films such as Airtel 5G, Greenply, Bikano, Kitkat & Asian Paints to name a few.
Prior to that he worked as a Senior Knowledge Management professional for a reputed Taxation Law firm in Delhi curating internal & external marketing communication for them. He has also been part of a National level research team as a Research officer for National Commission for Women (NCW) working on the plight of destitute women in Kashi & Vrindavan.
Abhishek is an avid film-maker and has been involved in the production of four documentary films so far. His expertise lies in curating communications and his interest areas lies in Visual Studies, Ethnographic Research, Indigenous Knowledge and Design Pedagogy which falls within the spectrum of Interdisciplinary studies.
Abhishek holds a Masters in Media & Cultural Studies (Cultural Anthropology) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai & has also done a PG-Diploma in Public Relations, Advertisement & Marketing from YMCA, Delhi. His Undergrad was in Mass Communication for which he cleared a UGC-NET in 2018. He also participated in the Faculty Development Programme of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
He is predominantly a storyteller who dabbles with various forms & applications of communication across mediums such as Print, Advertisement, Films & Marketing. Abhishek was previously working with Production Designers in Mumbai as Consultant Researcher for client Ad films such as Airtel 5G, Greenply, Bikano, Kitkat & Asian Paints to name a few.
Prior to that he worked as a Senior Knowledge Management professional for a reputed Taxation Law firm in Delhi curating internal & external marketing communication for them. He has also been part of a National level research team as a Research officer for National Commission for Women (NCW) working on the plight of destitute women in Kashi & Vrindavan.
Abhishek is an avid film-maker and has been involved in the production of four documentary films so far. His expertise lies in curating communications and his interest areas lies in Visual Studies, Ethnographic Research, Indigenous Knowledge and Design Pedagogy which falls within the spectrum of Interdisciplinary studies.
Dharmendra Bana has over 13 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in research, documentation, and enterprise development. His expertise lies in crafting innovative solutions for grassroots organizations, farmers and artisans, addressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship. He has collaborated with several esteemed organizations as a consultant, contributing to capacity building, impact assessment, and program implementation. His academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Social Work (2011) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and he has cleared the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in Social Work.
In his teaching role, Dharmendra has designed and delivered courses on Social Design, Intellectual Property Rights, Craft Research, and Social Welfare Administration. His research contributions include papers on the empowerment of crafts persons and sustainable development presented at National and International conferences.
Dharmendra Bana has over 13 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in research, documentation, and enterprise development. His expertise lies in crafting innovative solutions for grassroots organizations, farmers and artisans, addressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship. He has collaborated with several esteemed organizations as a consultant, contributing to capacity building, impact assessment, and program implementation. His academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Social Work (2011) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and he has cleared the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in Social Work.
In his teaching role, Dharmendra has designed and delivered courses on Social Design, Intellectual Property Rights, Craft Research, and Social Welfare Administration. His research contributions include papers on the empowerment of crafts persons and sustainable development presented at National and International conferences.
B.Arch., Master of Interior Design, (Ph.D. Pursuing from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad)
She is an Architect and Interior Designer, after her Master’s degree, she started working in a multidisciplinary Design firm based in Ahmedabad specializing in Museum and Exhibition designs in collaboration with State / Central Government and Archaeological Survey of India. She has been part of several Heritage Restoration and Adaptive Re-use projects, Interpretation Centre’s, and Projection Mapping on heritage structures. She worked in the Department of Architecture, the M. S. University of Baroda for 5 years as an Assistant Professor before joining IICD in the Hard Material and Interior Design Department. She has a keen interest in Art and Architectural research. She has presented several papers at International and National Conferences and Seminars. Her interest areas are Architectural Language and historical interpretations and environmental and Ecological sustainability through traditional and vernacular approaches. Related articles are also published in journals and conference proceedings. She has been also working as a volunteer at Gujarat Nature Conservation Society (GNCS), Vadodara for the past 9 years for Nature Conservation and enjoys Bird watching and photography.
B.Arch., Master of Interior Design, (Ph.D. Pursuing from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad)
She is an Architect and Interior Designer, after her Master’s degree, she started working in a multidisciplinary Design firm based in Ahmedabad specializing in Museum and Exhibition designs in collaboration with State / Central Government and Archaeological Survey of India. She has been part of several Heritage Restoration and Adaptive Re-use projects, Interpretation Centre’s, and Projection Mapping on heritage structures. She worked in the Department of Architecture, the M. S. University of Baroda for 5 years as an Assistant Professor before joining IICD in the Hard Material and Interior Design Department. She has a keen interest in Art and Architectural research. She has presented several papers at International and National Conferences and Seminars. Her interest areas are Architectural Language and historical interpretations and environmental and Ecological sustainability through traditional and vernacular approaches. Related articles are also published in journals and conference proceedings. She has been also working as a volunteer at Gujarat Nature Conservation Society (GNCS), Vadodara for the past 9 years for Nature Conservation and enjoys Bird watching and photography.
Garima is a textile designer, researcher and an educator with a deep-rooted passion for Indian textiles, craft traditions and emerging technologies in design education. She holds a Bachelor’s in Design (B.Des) in Textile Design from NIFT Gandhinagar and a Master’s in Design (M.Des) in Textile Design from NID Ahmedabad. Currently, she is pursuing Ph.D. at Banasthali Vidyapith, focusing on the impact of AI in fashion education through the development of an instructional model. With over 10 years of diverse experience, she has made significant contributions across industry, academia and government initiatives.
Her professional journey spans leading textile industries such as RSWM Ltd.–LNJ Denim, NGO engagement with Aavaran, corporate experience at Life style – Max Fashion and Design Consultant with the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts (DCH). She was re-empaneled as a DCH Designer in 2024. She has also held academic leadership roles as an Assistant Professor and Projects Coordinator.
Her research interests include weaving, surface embellishments, printing, craft documentation and the integration of AI in design pedagogy. She presented a paper titled “Digital Heritage – A Holistic Approach” at the ICETDA'23 national conference, which was published in the conference proceedings. Additionally, her paper “Craft Documentation and Cultural Preservation: A Holistic Exploration of Indian Folk Culture through a Visual Platform” was selected for presentation at the Cumulus Association conference.
Committed to both tradition and innovation, she actively explores the intersection of craft heritage and digital transformation in design education. At IICD, she continues to contribute to the preservation of India’s rich textile heritage through research and teaching.
Garima is a textile designer, researcher and an educator with a deep-rooted passion for Indian textiles, craft traditions and emerging technologies in design education. She holds a Bachelor’s in Design (B.Des) in Textile Design from NIFT Gandhinagar and a Master’s in Design (M.Des) in Textile Design from NID Ahmedabad. Currently, she is pursuing Ph.D. at Banasthali Vidyapith, focusing on the impact of AI in fashion education through the development of an instructional model. With over 10 years of diverse experience, she has made significant contributions across industry, academia and government initiatives.
Her professional journey spans leading textile industries such as RSWM Ltd.–LNJ Denim, NGO engagement with Aavaran, corporate experience at Life style – Max Fashion and Design Consultant with the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts (DCH). She was re-empaneled as a DCH Designer in 2024. She has also held academic leadership roles as an Assistant Professor and Projects Coordinator.
Her research interests include weaving, surface embellishments, printing, craft documentation and the integration of AI in design pedagogy. She presented a paper titled “Digital Heritage – A Holistic Approach” at the ICETDA'23 national conference, which was published in the conference proceedings. Additionally, her paper “Craft Documentation and Cultural Preservation: A Holistic Exploration of Indian Folk Culture through a Visual Platform” was selected for presentation at the Cumulus Association conference.
Committed to both tradition and innovation, she actively explores the intersection of craft heritage and digital transformation in design education. At IICD, she continues to contribute to the preservation of India’s rich textile heritage through research and teaching.