IICD Director Dr. Toolika Gupta Honoured with Prestigious French Knighthood
Director's Speech
"May we continue to uphold the spirit of craft, community, and chivalry, and make our world a more connected, creative, and compassionate place."
Vouloir, c’est pouvoir
(Where there’s a will, there’s a way)
New Delhi, 16 July 2025 — In a momentous celebration of Indo-French cultural collaboration and excellence in design education, IICD Director, Prof. (Dr.) Toolika Gupta, a noted researcher, designer, author, and academic administrator, was conferred the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight in the National Order of Merit) by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, in a special ceremony at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
The event was graced by an esteemed gathering, including H.H. Maharani Nivritti Kumari Mewar of Udaipur, Mrs. Madhu Neotia, Chairperson of the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), Jaipur, government officials, academicians, and members of IICD governing Council.
The award recognises Dr. Gupta’s outstanding contributions in Textile Research, Design Education, Craft Preservation, and her steadfast efforts in strengthening Indo-French cultural and academic ties. In his remarks, Ambassador Mathou praised Dr. Gupta’s commitment to building bridges across disciplines and borders:
“By conferring the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite on Dr. Gupta, we are not only recognising an exceptional career but also celebrating a vision of a more inclusive and interconnected world. Her tireless contributions have created lasting bridges between our two nations in education, heritage preservation, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.”
Dr. Gupta has led pioneering work in integrating craft-based knowledge systems with design curricula while serving as the Dean (Product Design) at Vishvakarma Skills University in Jaipur. She is also one of the founders of the Textiles and Clothing Research Centre (TCRC), where she has emphasised sustainability, entrepreneurship, and heritage in pedagogy. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Gupta reflected on the personal and collective significance of the honour.
“Chivalry, to me, is about selfless leadership, kindness, and the ability to uplift others. This award brings with it greater responsibility—to continue working for social impact in the realms of crafts, culture, and community building,” she said.
She also shared a deeply personal memory from her school days in Hyderabad, recalling receiving a silver medal attached to a blue ribbon for good conduct. “Today’s honour reminds me of that moment—it completes a circle, and reinforces how childhood encouragement can shape lifelong values,” she reminisced. Dr. Gupta credited her journey to the enduring support of her family, mentors, colleagues, and students, stating:
“This award belongs to all those who’ve walked with me—some are here today, others live on in memory. Their love, encouragement, and critical insights have made me who I am.”
Her efforts have led to long-standing partnerships with top French design institutions such as ENSAD, École Duperré, and École de Design Nantes Atlantique, and to significant Indo-French exchanges. Notably, she was a member of India’s first official delegation to the “Silk in Lyon” festival in 2021, marking a new chapter for Indian artisanal silk on the European stage.
As President of Alliance Française de Jaipur, a role Dr. Gupta was encouraged to accept in 2021, she was able to transform the space into a hub of creative and linguistic exchange in Jaipur. She acknowledged the support of Mrs Madhu Neotia, Chairperson IICD, Mr. Narottam Gupta, IICD Governng Council Member and Ms. Sanjana Sarkar, the Alliance team, and IICD's Governing Council for their unwavering belief in her leadership.
In 2024, Dr. Gupta presented a handcrafted Rajasthani kavad—an ancestral storytelling shrine— to the French Ambassador, symbolising a cross-cultural dialogue through traditional craft. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gupta said, “An award gives you recognition, but what remains invisible is the collective strength, love, and constructive criticism of those around you. That is the real foundation of any achievement.”
Closing her speech with a heartfelt “Merci beaucoup” and invoking the value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, she added, “May we continue to uphold the spirit of craft, community, and chivalry, and make our world a more connected, creative, and compassionate place.”