The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), in partnership with XLRI Delhi-NCR, hosted “The INDEA Debate 2024” at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. This forum brought together experts in automotive design and design management to deliberate on the evolution of mobility design in India.
The central theme, “Does India Need a Design DNA?”, examined the necessity of crafting an automotive design language deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage and values, especially as the nation cements its position as a global automotive powerhouse. The event commenced with the participation of dignitaries including Shri Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament, Retired Justice Indira Banerjee, Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, and Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEA.
This marked a significant step in promoting thought leadership within the automotive design sector. Renowned speakers at the event included industry stalwarts such as Jean-Paul Oyono, Anand Sharma, Saurabh Singh, Sathiyaseelan G, Sudhir Sharma, Bikash Jyoti Biswas, Ravi Bhatia, and Gautam Sen, with the discussion moderated by Avik Chattopadhyay.
Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir emphasized the importance of such dialogues in education, stating that events like these inspire critical thinking and drive actionable change. Industry mentor I.V. Rao highlighted the timeliness of discussing a unique design DNA for India, pointing to its potential to reflect the nation’s cultural identity and societal values.
Avik Chattopadhyay noted that the debate provides a platform to reimagine India’s aspirations in the global automotive sphere and fosters innovative approaches to future mobility design. Attendees, including experienced professionals, young designers, and students, contributed to a rich exchange of ideas.
These discussions will culminate in a white paper, serving as a roadmap for shaping India’s automotive design identity. The event drew a diverse audience, both in-person and online through a live YouTube stream, underlining its wide-reaching impact. The INDEA Debate 2024 underscored the importance of establishing a distinct automotive design language for India, envisioning it as a defining element in the global automotive landscape.
