ASHOKE CHATTERJEE | The NID Experiment in Modernity

India’s experiment in design education is a significant contribution to the emergence of design as a force of development. This lecture, by Ashoke Chatterjee, former Executive Director of the National Institute of Design (NID), focused on the pioneering experience of the NID over five decades, and what this experience might now offer to the future.

Image 1: Mana Sarabhai models a garment made of the first textile print at NID. Photo: Vikas Satwalekar, c. 1970. NID Archives.

About the National Institute of Design (NID)

The NID was established in 1961 as India, a young independent nation, sought to define its identity. Based on the 1958 India Report co-authored by designers. 

Charles and Ray Eames, NID created the first cadre of designers to contribute to development through a problem-solving approach to design.

In 2014, NID became the only design institution in India, to be recognized as an Institute of National Importance by an act of Parliament granting it university status.

About Ashoke Chatterjee

Ashoke Chatterjee is the former Executive Director, Distinguished Fellow, and Professor of Communication and Management at the NID, where he served for 25 years. He continues to be a thought leader for design and development issues of livelihood, quality of life, drinking water, sanitation, as well as disability.

With a background in engineering, international civil service, and tourism he has served on developmental institutions in India and overseas, and is Trustee of the Prabhat Education Foundation (Ahmedabad); Adviser and former President of the Crafts Council of India (Chennai); and an invaluable Advisor to ARTISANS’ since its inception in 2011.