1st Edition
Design Education in India Values of Socially Responsible Design
Introduction
1. Prologue
2. Beginning of the End: Spaceship Earth
3. Significance of Design
4. Personal Belief System
5. Contemporary Design Education and Concern for Social Responsibility
6. Challenges in Imparting Values of Social Responsibility
7. Changing the Change
Conclusion
Annex A: Survey Questionnaire
Annex B: List of respondent affiliations (current or past)
Annex C: Survey Data: Representing course foci
Annex D: Expert Interviews: Profile of Interviewees
Biography
Sanjeev Bothra (1968–2021), an alumnus of a five-year design course at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India, did a year-long experiment of ‘unlearning consumerist perspectives’ so acquired, by spending time in rural India. Thereafter he was engaged with design education across numerous design schools and departments in and outside of India. In addition to being an educator and researcher, Sanjeev was a passionate freelance graphic designer. He was committed to the ultimate values of humanity, concern for environment and the future of the planet. This book is a culmination of his 25 years of professional practice, alongside part-time research and teaching.
"To echo Nelson Mandela, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' Sanjeev was a teacher that changed the way students imagined the world in them and them in the world. He inspired us not just to be better designers but also to be the best version of ourselves. He held our hand, extended his mentorship beyond the classroom, and inspired us by setting examples through his exemplary work. Thank you, Sanjeev, for believing in us and your unwavering commitment to creating possibilities."
Swati Sharma, former student, Batch 2001, Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, India
“This book is the story of [Sanjeev Bothra’s] design and life journey. On first read, it seems an uncharted journey, where Sanjeev, the traveller, has let events, experiences and experiments define his philosophical and ideological sub-text. But as I read on and within, I seem to understand that this journey has a clear charter. The most significant commandment learnt… the means and the process are more significant than the end, and the sum of parts is greater than the whole! In the finite world we live in, with depleting resources and unscrupulous gain-seeking, ‘Design thinking’ needs a realignment, a re-purposing. This thesis turned book of Sanjeev’s, moves towards this ‘design rethink’, hopefully moving readers to a gentle reawakening.”
Sangita Shroff, Dean & Director, Institute of Design, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
