Award-winning actor and producer Ram Charan is set to join the prestigious line-up of superstars at Madame Tussauds Singapore with a wax figure set to arrive in summer of 2025.

Photo by Madame Tussauds Singapore

Best known for his roles in films including critically acclaimed “RRR” (2022) and the upcoming anticipated movie Game Changer, Ram Charan was presented the “Madame Tussauds of the Future Award” at the star-studded 2024 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. This award marked not just the success in South Indian film, but also his broad appeal to his fans globally.

“Its great to be a part of Madame Tussauds alongside others who have contributed so much to cinema. As a kid, when I visited Madame Tussauds to see the legends and take pictures with them, I never imagined I would one day be part of it so early in my career. I thank Madame Tussauds for acknowledging my work and motivating me to do better,” said Ram Charan.

It was also revealed at the awards show, through a behind-the-scenes video, that his pet, Rhyme, will be included as part of his upcoming figure, making him the only celebrity, apart from Queen Elizabeth II, to have a pet featured. “Im really touched that the Madame Tussauds team included my darling pet Rhyme with my figure. This means a lot to me, as it shows the perfect synergy between my work and my life-Rhyme is a big part of it. This one is special.”

IIFA and Madame Tussauds Singapore have been collaborating since 2017 when the IIFA Awards Experience was launched exclusively at the Singapore attraction. This collaboration serves to bring together a celebration of Indian cinema on a global stage, while allowing fans to engage with their favorite stars in a unique way. Since then, many icons of Indian cinema have launched there, with Ram Charan being next in line in Madame Tussauds Singapore.

Andre Timmins, Co-founder IIFA said, “The partnership between IIFA and Madame Tussauds has been a fantastic journey in showcasing the brilliance of Indian cinema to global audiences. Each year, we celebrate icons who have not only made an impact in India but have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Ram Charans addition to this prestigious line-up further strengthens our shared vision of bringing Indian cinemas finest closer to their fans. As we mark 25 years since the unveiling of Amitabh Bachchans figure at the 2000 IIFA in London, this partnership continues to grow, reflecting the global reach and influence of Indian cinema. Were excited to honor more stars and bring more memorable experiences together as we move forward.”

“It is a great privilege to continue our longstanding partnership with IIFA to honour legends of the Indian film industry. We are thrilled to be welcoming Ram Charans figure to join the rest of the stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Karan Johar and Amitabh Bachchan at our very own IIFA Zone in Madame Tussauds Singapore,” said Alex Ward, Regional Director, Gateway Asia, Merlin Entertainments.

Madame Tussauds Singapore celebrates her 10th year anniversary this year with an exciting line up of celebrity figure launches, activities, and promotions throughout year. Sign up to our e-newsletter and get be one of the first to get updates! Visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore for more information.

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Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With over 23 attractions in the worlds top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europes Number 1 and the worlds second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 137 attractions, 22 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. Merlins purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL), one of India’s leading consumer electrical companies, has been awarded the prestigious CII Green-Pro Certification for its ceiling fans at the Annual Green-Pro Summit 2024. This recognition highlights Crompton’s commitment to developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products.

Crompton being awarded the CII Green-Pro Certification

The CII Green-Pro certification is essential in promoting sustainable practices in India, offering a reliable framework for assessing the environmental impact of products. It utilizes a life cycle approach to evaluate factors such as resource consumption, energy efficiency, emissions, and waste generation, from raw material extraction to disposal. Products that satisfy the stringent Green-Pro criteria receive certification, assuring consumers of their eco-friendliness.

The Green-Pro Certification was awarded to Crompton during the summit, which was attended by industry leaders and sustainability experts who convened to discuss best practices and trends in environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Tushar Oval, Product Marketing Head at Crompton, expressed, “We are happy to receive the CII Green-Pro Certification for our ceiling fans. This prestigious award reinforces our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We firmly believe that creating energy-efficient products is essential not only for our customers but also for the environment and the future ahead. Our dedication to environmentally friendly practices is deeply rooted in every aspect of our operations. This recognition serves as a strong motivation for us to continue advancing our efforts in developing products that make a positive impact. As we look to the future, we remain committed to maintaining and enhancing the standards of sustainability that have brought us this honor.”

Crompton’s ceiling fans not only provide comfort but also help reduce energy consumption, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. The company’s focus on sustainability is reflected in its various initiatives:

• Life Cycle Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations of product life cycles to minimize environmental impact.

• Energy Efficiency: Commitment to developing products that consume less energy while delivering high performance.

• Resource Management: Responsible sourcing of materials to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.

• Employee Engagement: Training and awareness programs to empower employees in sustainability efforts.

• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing assessments and improvements to maintain compliance with environmental standards.

The CII Green-Pro Certification is a significant milestone for Crompton as it continues to lead in sustainable practices in the consumer products sector.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is committed to cultivating an environment that facilitates India’s development by working alongside industry, government, and civil society through advisory and consultative processes.

About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers.

The companys consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the companys storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of Indias Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

Health and wellness knowledge enterprise Happiest Health unveiled its ‘Health Champion’ initiative today, setting the stage for future events that’ll identify and honour people who have battled and overcome adverse health conditions. The initiative aims to reach out to everyone in the country who has either beaten the odds to overcome a health challenge or is a caregiver to such a person, recognising them as torchbearers and motivating them. Paralympic Gold medallist Nitesh Kumar was honoured as the Health Champion of the Year 2024 at the curtain-raiser event. The event was unveiled and inaugurated by him and the Chairman of Happiest Health, Ashok Soota, in the presence senior management and members of the media.

Happiest Health, Chairman, Ashok Soota felicitates Paris 2024 Paralympic Badminton Gold Medalist – Nitesh Kumar as the Happiest Health Champion of 2024

Ashok Soota, chairman of Happiest Health, said, “The rationale behind Happiest Health is that everyone has a right to live a life of dignity and health. And life is full of hurdles, some small, others monumental. ‘Health Champion’ is not just about personal victories but victories that inspire and uplift entire communities. This is not just an initiative-it is a movement, a revolution to change the way health challenges are perceived.”

Speaking on the jury for the first Health Champion of the Year Awards, he said, “For 2025, our health champion of the year will be selected by an esteemed jury led by the renowned Dr Devi Shetty. Doctor Shetty’s contributions to healthcare are unparalleled, always working to help people who are underprivileged or who have special problems. His involvement will ensure that the 2025 Health Champion is chosen with the highest degree of expertise and compassion.”

Mr Anindya Chowdhury, CEO of Happiest Health – Knowledge and Diagnostics, said, “The ‘Health Champion’ initiative marks a significant milestone in Happiest Health’s journey as we seek to spread our objective further and open up spaces for more people to express themselves. We are looking at collaborating with interested partners in the days ahead while we do so.”

Nitesh Kumar added, “While winning the Paralympic gold medal is a big achievement, being inspiring is greatly significant. If my journey can somehow kindle hope for someone overcoming their struggle to do better in life, it would be very fulfilling to me. My message to everyone is to be active physically, whether cycling, running, or walking. Play any sports for recreation and take good care of your health-eat healthy, sleep well, and keep screen time to a minimum.”

The initiative will feature two awards-Health Champion of the Quarter and Health Champion of the Year, with the first Health Champion of the Year Awards taking place next year in September. A selection panel will select winners from quarterly submissions based on the nominees’ stories’ ability to inspire and motivate others. Meanwhile, the jury deciding the Health Champion of the Year for 2025 will validate submissions based on predefined criteria aligned with the event’s objectives. Quarterly ‘Health Champions’ will be automatically eligible for the annual award.

Paris 2024 Paralympic Badminton Gold Medalist – Nitesh Kumar felicitated as Health Champion of the Year 2024 by Happiest Health

Quarterly winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a monetary prize, a wellness package, and a feature article in the Happiest Health magazine, among other prizes. Annual ‘Health Champions’ will additionally receive speaking opportunities and media coverage.

Happiest Health is dedicated to giving a voice to the unsung heroes whose stories often go unnoticed. Happiest Health allows individuals to share their experiences of overcoming adversity and inspire others. It has been publishing hundreds of such stories of strength, believing it is its moral and social imperative to give a platform to them. By amplifying people’s strength, resilience, and hope, Happiest Health hopes to create a ripple effect of positive change and encourage more health champions and caregivers to come forward and share their inspiring journeys.

Nitesh Kumar’s performances at the 2024 Summer Paralympics culminated with him becoming only the country’s third para-badminton gold medallist. This accomplishment and his life’s journey epitomise the essence of the ‘Health Champion’ initiative as Happiest Health seeks to recognise similar stories and more.

Details on how to enter submissions: campaigns.happiesthealth.com/Health_Champion

About Happiest Health

Happiest Health is a global health & wellness knowledge enterprise promoted by Ashok Soota. Happiest Health provides credible and trustworthy health and wellness knowledge with views from globally renowned experts and doctors. The primary knowledge platforms are the daily newsletter, knowledge website, and newly launched monthly print magazine, and knowledge app and summits. The wellness division of Happiest Health caters to corporates to achieve optimal employee well-being, fostering a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment.

Happiest Health embraces scientific knowledge with a keen focus on medical breakthroughs providing kinder, gentler therapies including cell-based treatments. It also has deep coverage of integrated medicine including ayurveda, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Happiest Health’s focus on wellness is holistic and energizing. Its Mission Statement is: “Better Knowledge. Better Health.” and convey its benefits to all.

Rajinder Gupta, Chairman Emeritus of Trident Group, has been conferred the esteemed Vastra Ratna Award for Special Achiever, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the textile industry. This honour comes as the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) celebrates its 70th anniversary, acknowledging outstanding exporters who have built world-class textile companies and put India on the global textile map.

Trident Group’s Chairman Emeritus, Rajinder Gupta, awarded with prestigious TEXPROCIL Vastra Ratna award for outstanding contributions to the textile industry

A pioneering industrialist, Gupta has driven Trident Groups growth into a global $2 billion+ textile conglomerate. His commitment to philanthropy and sustainability is exemplified through his establishment of the Takshashila Centre of Excellence, providing training facilities and employment opportunities to thousands of individuals. Additionally, his initiatives in healthcare include the establishment of the multispecialty Madhuban Hospital and organization of mega medical camps, enhancing healthcare access to many.

The Vastra Ratna Award was presented by Honble Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, who graced the event as Chief Guest. Textile Commissioner of India, Roop Rashi Mahapatra, was also in attendance.

Trident Group is committed to sustainability through various initiatives. The company has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to source 50% of its energy from renewables by 2025, with biomass and solar power already accounting for 42% and 41 MWp, respectively. Trident has also implemented robust water conservation measures, recycling 100% of water used in towel and sheeting production and recovering over 2,651 million gallons of wastewater. Furthermore, its Eco-Twist technology offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional towels, reducing environmental impact without compromising quality.

This recognition underscores Tridents leadership in integrating sustainable practices within the textile industry and highlights Guptas vision and dedication to creating a positive impact.

About us

Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) Paper (Wheat Straw-based) and Chemical manufacturer.

Trident’s yarn, bath & bedlinen and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India.

Supplying national, captive, and retailer-owned brands; the organization is highly decorated with awards from its customers, vendors, and various government entities in recognition of advancing the highest standards in product quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

The company operates in three major business segments: Textile (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) Paper (Wheat Straw-based) and Chemical, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

For more information, log on to: www.tridentindia.com.

In the 33rd production benchmark competition, the fischer group of companies was delighted to win in the GEO Award (Global Excellence in Operations) category for its production plant in Ivanovice na Hane in the Czech Republic. Just in time for the sites 30th anniversary, the award recognises its outstanding operational excellence along the entire value chain. The award is considered the most traditional and demanding competition for the manufacturing industry in Germany and Europe.

fischer factory – Chezch Republic

“The award is the highlight of our 30-year history in Ivanovice na Hane,“ says Prof Klaus Fischer, owner of the fischer group of companies. “The Factory of the Year is like the Champions League for manufacturing companies. We can be very proud of this honour.’“Above all, however, it is a special honour for all employees at the Czech site. ‘Our Managing Director in the Czech Republic, Mr Vladimir Hudec, and his team have done an outstanding job over the past few years. Receiving the award is impressive confirmation of this.’ Prof Fischer continues, “Our plant in Ivanovice na Hane also serves as a role model and benchmark for all of our companys other production sites.“

The ‘GEO Award‘ stands for ‘Global Excellence in Operations‘ and is one of the most sought-after awards for European companies. The award recognises outstanding operational excellence along the entire value chain and a particularly high level of value generation. Every year, the management consultancy Kearney, in cooperation with the trade journal Produktion and Suddeutscher Verlag Veranstaltungen GmbH, honours the plants that master current production challenges in an exemplary manner in six categories.

Vladimr Hudec, Managing Director of fischer Vyskov spol. s r.o., and thus of the production facility in Ivanovice na Hane, emphasises: “We are overjoyed to have won in the “GEO Award” category. Our years of intensive work have paid off. And when I say ‘our work’, I mean all our colleagues in Ivanovice na Hane and Tumlingen working together. This success would not have come about otherwise. We are fischer, we are a global family, we are one. One for all, all for one.“

Maximilian Bronner, Managing Director of Production and Technology at the Group, agrees, “The site in Ivanovice na Hane has developed extremely well in recent years. The keys to this success are, on the one hand, our fischer Process System, which was implemented in an exemplary manner in Ivanovice na Han, and, on the other hand, the outstanding team performance of the Czech team. We see this achievement as proof of the successful implementation of our production strategy and the award as an incentive to continue working on improving all processes on a daily basis – at all of our nine production sites worldwide.“

The 33rd ‘Factory of the Year’ congress will take place on 18 and 19 March 2025 at the Forum am Schlosspark in Ludwigsburg. The awards will be officially presented to the winners during a gala evening.

In a glittering ceremony, recently held at the Taj Santacruz in Mumbai, renowned fashion designer, Ketki Biyani got conferred with the prestigious International Quality Award in the category of ‘Most Popular Pret Wear Brand In Maharashtra’ for her fashion label Embrooms. The award was presented to him by renowned Indian Film Actress, Rakul Preet Singh alongside several B-Town celebs including Divya Khossla Kumar, Gauhar Khan, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Elnaaz Norouzi, Geeta Kapur, Parul Gulati, Tanuj Virwani, Kashmera Shah, Sudhanshu Pandey & Shivangi Joshi. The ceremony was presented by India’s premier branding company, Brands Impact and the winners of International Quality Awards 2024 were selected by a panel of Jury members headed by Krishna Jadhav, a visionary leader recognized for his transformative work in FinTech, AI, and digital innovation.

Ketki Biyani receiving International Quality Award from Rakul Preet Singh

Ketki seamlessly weaves intrinsic elements of Indian culture into her stunning creations, elevating traditional craftsmanship to contemporary heights.

Ketki’s journey into the world of fashion began with her educational background. She graduated with a degree in Multimedia, Media, and Entertainment from Mumbai, but her true passion lay in fashion design. Inspired by her mother’s artistry, who expertly practiced “Haatho Ki Karagiri”-the intricate craftsmanship of hand embroidery and stitching-Ketki grew up immersed in the world of textiles and creativity. Witnessing the meticulous work that goes into fashion instilled in her a deep respect for the art form and fueled her desire to create.

This recognition not only highlights Ketkis talent but also underscores her dedication to preserving and innovating within Indian fashion.

Ketki Biyani (Fashion Designer & Founder, Embrooms)

Reflecting on her achievement, Ketki remarked, “Winning the International Quality Award is not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of our rich heritage and the talent that exists in our country. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in the fashion industry.”

Signature Style and Vision

Ketki Biyani’s unique signature style is characterized by boldness, confidence, and sophistication. Her designs embody flawless lines and an undisputed eye for detail, elevating her brand’s aesthetic to a realm of utter sophistication. The ethos of Embrooms is rooted in addressing the gap in the market for Indian designer clothing that embodies both tradition and modernity.

Ketki’s vision for Embrooms was inspired by her childhood experiences, and she quickly turned that vision into reality. The brand focuses on creating an array of exquisite couture pieces, each meticulously handcrafted with indigenous detailing. By integrating traditional Indian embroideries into sophisticated cuts, Ketki crafts garments that are not only visually stunning but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India.

Collections That Tell a Story

The latest collection from Embrooms, titled Blooms Shine, exemplifies Ketki’s artistic approach. This line features exquisite embroidery that enhances the delicacy of floral designs, imbuing garments with a refreshing charm and creating a dreamy, cheerful aura. Each piece in this collection is designed to elevate the wearer’s personality, making it ideal for any occasion.

Another standout collection, Fun O Clock, caters to magnetic personalities who wish to make a statement with their unconventional styles. This collection captures the essence of individuality, allowing wearers to express their unique fashion sensibilities boldly. With many more soothing collections to follow, embrooms is all set to make heads turn in the coming days.

Ketki Biyani’s Embrooms has something for every fashionista, reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in fashion. This imaginative approach to design makes her brand a deserving recipient of the International Quality Award 2024.

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Embrooms not only champions contemporary fashion but also serves as a vessel for celebrating Indian craftsmanship. Ketki’s designs often feature intricate detailing, combining modern silhouettes with traditional techniques. This blend of old and new resonates with a broad audience, appealing to both younger consumers and those with a penchant for classic elegance.

Her commitment to sustainability is also evident in her choice of materials and processes, as she seeks to minimize the environmental impact of her creations. Ketki believes that fashion should not only be beautiful but also responsible.

Conclusion

As Ketki Biyani continues her journey in the fashion industry, she stands as a testament to the power of creativity and cultural pride. With her dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, she not only elevates Indian fashion but also inspires a new generation of designers. The International Quality Award is just the beginning for Ketki, who aims to make her mark on the global stage, proving that with passion and hard work, one can truly transform the landscape of fashion.

In a landmark achievement for India, Suvarna Raj, a celebrated para-athlete and a passionate disability rights activist, has won the 2024 United Nations SDG Action Award at the prestigious ceremony held at the TH Roma Carpegna Palace, Rome. Selected from a competitive pool of 5,500 applicants representing 190 countries, Suvarna has been honored as a Changemaker Finalist for her relentless work in championing accessibility, empowerment, and social inclusion for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India.

Indian Para-athlete and Disability Rights Activist Ms. Suvarna Raj Wins Prestigious United Nations SDG Action Award in Rome, Italy

The United Nations SDG Action Awards recognize individuals and organizations worldwide who are driving transformative action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the awards witnessed the participation of distinguished individuals, UN leaders, government officials, and global change-makers. Suvarna’s recognition as the first disabled woman from India to receive this award is a historic moment, underscoring the nation’s progress towards inclusivity and empowerment.

The award ceremony was broadcast live, celebrating Suvarna Raj’s work as a catalyst for change. As a Changemaker Finalist, Suvarna’s achievements have not only highlighted the barriers faced by PwDs in India but also demonstrated the power of resilience, advocacy, and innovation in transforming lives and communities. Suvarna’s contributions align closely with SDG Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), making her a symbol of hope and progress for the millions of persons with disabilities worldwide.

About Suvarna Raj

Suvarna Raj is an international para-athlete, disability rights activist, and social worker who has been working tirelessly for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities in India. As a wheelchair user, Suvarna has faced numerous obstacles in her own life, which have fueled her mission to create a more accessible society. She has conducted over 500 accessibility audits across public and private sectors under the Accessible India Campaign, improving facilities and accessibility in transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure.

In addition to her work in accessibility, Suvarna has been instrumental in influencing national policies and promoting inclusive practices. She is the Brand Ambassador for Accessible Elections 2024, as appointed by the Election Commission of India, and has actively campaigned for the rights of PwDs.

A Proud Moment for India

Suvarna Raj’s win is a proud moment for India and a testament to the progress being made toward creating an inclusive society for all. By receiving the United Nations SDG Action Award, Suvarna has brought international recognition to India’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This award is not only a personal triumph for Suvarna but a victory for every individual and organization working towards inclusivity, equality, and social justice in India.

Suvarna’s Statement on Winning the Award

Upon receiving the award, Suvarna Raj expressed her gratitude, “I am deeply honored to receive this award and represent India on this global platform. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to every person with a disability who has ever fought to be seen, heard, and included. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity. I dedicate this award to my country and to all the changemakers working tirelessly to create a more inclusive world.”

The Road Ahead

Suvarna Raj’s journey is a powerful reminder of the need for persistent advocacy and systemic change. With this award, she is further motivated to continue her work in making India more accessible and inclusive. She hopes this recognition will inspire more people to join the movement for disability rights and contribute to a world where no one is left behind.

World University of Design (WUD), India’s first University dedicated to education in the creative domain, has honored Professor Lalit Kumar Das with the prestigious “Design Guru” Award on November 11, 2024, at a glittering ceremony on their campus. Professor LK Das stands out as a pioneering force in industrial design education, renowned for his innovative approaches to inclusive and sustainable design. His leadership in the field has not only shaped the next generation of designers but also underlined the importance of creating products and environments that are accessible and beneficial for all.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, WUD felicitating Prof. Lalit Kumar Das with prestigious “Design Guru” Award

This award presented by the World University of Design, marks the occasion of National Design Guru Day, commemorating leaders who have made transformative contributions to design education in India, shaping the future of design and inspiring generations of creative minds. National Design Guru Day, celebrated each year on November 9th, was established to recognize the pioneering generation of design educators who laid the foundation for design education in India. The day these design leaders are honored coincides with the birth anniversary of late Professor MP Ranjan, an influential figure in design thinking and education at the National Institute of Design (NID).

Faculty members of World University of Design with Design Guru Prof. Lalit Kumar Das

Over the years, World University of Design has honored distinguished leaders with the “Design Guru” Award, including Prof. A G Krishna Menon, Prof. Iftikar Mulk Chishti, Sh. Rajeev Sethi, Prof. Jatin Bhatt, Prof. Archana Shastri and Ms. Laila Tyabji.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design (WUD), stated, “Since its inception in 2017, we have made this day an opportunity to celebrate those who have exceptionally impacted the Indian design landscape. It’s our privilege to carry forward this legacy by acknowledging a leading design pioneer every year. WUD is thrilled to recognize Professor Das’s contributions with the 2024 Design Guru Award, celebrating his commitment to advancing design education and his profound impact on the design community.“

The “Design Guru” Award recognized Professor Dass notable contributions to Industrial Design education in India, particularly through his foundational work at IIT Delhi, where he developed a unique curriculum that seamlessly integrates design thinking with industrial expertise. His influence as an educator has left a significant impact on numerous students who have excelled in national and international design competitions and have risen as leaders across India’s top design studios.

Prof. Lalit Kumar Das- A pioneering force in industrial design education.

Professor Das’s academic journey began with a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, followed by an M.Tech in Design Engineering from IIT Delhi, and culminated in a Master of Arts in Industrial Design from the prestigious Royal College of Art, London. Spanning across a range of sectors, he has contributed to innovative product design, ergonomic studies for Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad metro systems, and has also made impactful contributions to inclusive design for individuals with disabilities.

As the founding editor of the Design for All India newsletter, Professor Das has championed the cause of accessible and inclusive design. He has also extended his expertise to policy discussions on design and artisan development, promoting meaningful collaboration between the design community and government initiatives. His recent work with distant education programs for artisans in partnership with IGNOU is a testament to his deep commitment to societal impact through design.

Beyond his academic role, Professor Das continues to engage as a Visiting Professor at IIT Bombay, an Advisor at Mahindra University, and an Honorary Faculty member at Delhi Technological University. He is an influential mentor who guides students and young professionals in fields ranging from sustainability and circular economies to frugal design and complex systems.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Professor Das has served on juries for major national design awards and contributed as an expert member in various government programs, including the Science & Society and Technopreneur Promotion Programmes of the Department of Science & Technology. His recent TEDx talks on innovation, values, and complex systems highlight his ongoing thought leadership.

The World University of Design sets benchmarks in education by combining academic excellence with extracurricular activities, preparing students for both careers and life. As Indias first university focused solely on creative education, WUD offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, fashion, communication, visual arts, architecture, and management. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, WUD is dedicated to nurturing creative professionals ready to shape the future.