The creative energy of over 180 budding designers filled the air as the three-day Design Fest 2025 drew to a successful close in Vadodara on Sunday. Organized by the Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design (MRID), a part of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), the annual event served as a vibrant public showcase for the academic and practical work of its undergraduate and postgraduate scholars.
A Platform for Multidisciplinary Design Talent
The festival provided a crucial platform for students enrolled in both Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programs. Their work spanned four core disciplines: communication design, accessory design, craft and design, and moving images. The diverse exhibits demonstrated a clear translation of theoretical classroom learning into tangible applications. Visitors witnessed this journey through an array of products, compelling visual narratives, publications, and innovative design-led solutions addressing real-world needs.
Professor Ambika Patel, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Director of MRID, emphasized the fest's role in reflecting the students' educational progression. She also highlighted a key benefit for the participants, noting, "Students also receive feedback directly from the public," offering them invaluable real-world perspectives on their creations.
Curriculum Aligned with National Vision and Tradition
A significant highlight of this year's fest was its clear alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). The institute has proactively integrated business model development and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into its design curriculum. This forward-thinking approach was evident in numerous student projects that focused on entrepreneurship and start-up ideas.
Many business models were thoughtfully developed around the empowering theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Concepts like 'Vocal for Local' were explored in depth through various mediums:
- Traditional leatherwork and mud craft.
- Collaborative projects with master traditional artisans.
- Contemporary designs inspired by folk arts, including the renowned Gujarati textile art of Mata ni Pachedi.
From Board Games to Folk Art: A Spectrum of Creativity
The range of exhibits was remarkably broad, highlighting the students' versatility and creative thinking. The displays included:
- Innovative board games designed for engagement and learning.
- Thematic calendars focusing on nature, seasons, environmental conservation, and yoga.
- Various publications and illustrated children's books.
- Detailed documentation projects inspired by the rich folk art traditions of states like Madhya Pradesh.
The Design Fest 2025 successfully bridged the gap between academic rigor and practical application, while firmly rooting modern design education in India's cultural heritage and contemporary national goals. It stood as a testament to how design education is evolving to create not just skilled designers, but conscious entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors.
