What happened?
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, addressing the 44th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Design (NID) on 27 February 2025, underscored the role of design as a driver of innovation and economic growth. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India and Design in India vision, he called on graduates to position India as a global design hub. Goyal stressed the importance of design in diverse fields, from space exploration to gaming, and cited India’s Chandrayaan mission as an example of design excellence. The event saw the participation of President Droupadi Murmu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, and other dignitaries.
Why it matters to India:
India’s design sector is poised to play a crucial role in its industrial transformation, particularly in emerging areas such as semiconductors, audio-visual technology, and sustainable product development. Strengthening India’s design ecosystem will enhance global competitiveness and boost manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the country’s push for self-reliance. With 430 new graduates entering the field, the NID convocation also signals a growing talent pool ready to drive innovation and contribute to India’s creative economy.