While numerous educators have played a foundational role in shaping the discipline of design, their contributions and legacies often remain unfamiliar to the younger generation. Design Guru Day serves as a reminder to honour these visionaries, celebrate their enduring influence, and express our collective gratitude.
The idea for this observance emerged in 2016, when a group of students of the late Prof. M.P. Ranjan commemorated his first birth anniversary by dedicating the day to all design educators who have made a significant impact.
Since then, it has evolved into an annual tradition. Each year, on November 9th—Prof. Ranjan’s birthday—we at JKLU invite and felicitate a senior educator whose work has left a lasting imprint on the field.
This celebration stands not only as a recognition of individual excellence but also as a reaffirmation of the values that continue to shape and inspire the design community.
Prof. Asha Baxi, Founding Dean of NIFT, Adjunct Professor – IICD
Prof. S. Balaram, Former Chairman of Education, NIDA; Founding Dean, DJAD
Former Executive Director, NID & Senior Faculty Advisor, Honorary President of the Craft Council of India
Judy Frater, Author, Founder Director of Somaiya Kala Vidya; Co-founder of Kala Raksha Trust
Dr. Don Norman, Director of the Design Lab, University of California, Author of The Design of Everyday Things; Co-Founder of Nielsen Norman Group.
Late. Prof. Vikas Satwalekar, Former Faculty and Executive Director of NID.
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