Orientation Day 2018

The Indian Institute of Art and Design conducted its fourth Orientation Day for the new batch of design students on 22nd July 2018 at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. The intention was to formally initiate the students into their undergraduate program in design and introduce them to the faculty as well as various resources present on campus that will help enhance their academic experience at IIAD.

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik, a renowned Indian author who writes, illustrates and lectures extensively on Indian mythology, graced the occasion as the Keynote Speaker and addressed the gathering on the essence and importance of design in everyday life. He stated that, “Design is the ability to transform things into something beautiful.” He drew a parallel between the connotation of beauty in Indian mythology and modern times. He was of the opinion that India has a lot of potential to rediscover its design sensibilities and be known around the world for the same.

He further added that any field of science can invent technology but cannot connect the psychology aspect with it. This is an aspect that designers are trained in. A designer has the skill-set to beautifully blend science and aesthetics to create an object closer to human need. Understanding human psychology is the key to designing products that are indispensable to humans in general.

The Founder and Director of IIAD, Dr. Jitin Chadha, addressed the crowd consisting of students and parents through a warm and reflective welcome note. He reiterated the philosophy of IIAD on which the programmes are based upon. He further emphasised on the basic principles of the institution and its vision to mould and equip these young students with abilities that make them ready for the design industry.

The orientation day also included a moving speech by the Dean, Professor Usha Nehru Patel. Prof. Patel shared her views on the essence of design education and her vision to be able to lead these young designers towards a brighter future. She encouraged the students to make use of the facilities on campus and open up to the world of design.

The event concluded with the new batch of students being introduced to the Faculty and Staff members of IIAD. The Head of Administration, Ms. Simrat Joshi, presented the students with some important pointers from the student coursebook in order to give them an overview of what is to be expected in the coming year.