President Droupadi Murmu Emphasizes Design for Social Change at NID Ahmedabad Convocation

President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, attended the convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, on February 27, 2025. Addressing the graduating students, she emphasized the power of design in solving real-world challenges, particularly for underprivileged communities.

She stated that many societal problems do not require massive resources but rather innovative design tweaks. She encouraged students to use creative thinking to improve the ease of living and contribute to the country’s development. Highlighting NID’s role, she expressed pride in how the institution has championed “design as a service for the betterment of society.”

The President noted that design has always been an integral part of India’s traditional communities. She stressed the need to study and document indigenous knowledge systems, as they hold valuable solutions to contemporary global challenges. Revitalizing and integrating these historical design principles with modern innovations can significantly contribute to global progress.

She also acknowledged the role of designers in driving social change through impactful interventions in healthcare, housing, and sanitation. By addressing real-world problems, particularly those affecting marginalized communities, designers are helping bridge the urban-rural divide.

Encouraging students to explore rural India, she advised them to spend time in villages to gain new perspectives and use their skills to assist communities. She cited the example of Mahatma Gandhi and the ‘charkha,’ illustrating how a simple design innovation could transform lives. She reminded students that while making beautiful things is rewarding, functionality and purpose should never be overlooked.