"This debate embodies the very ethos of INDEA—creating a platform where ideas converge, and the future of mobility design takes shape," he added.The Indian School for Design of Automobiles collaborated with XLRI-Delhi NCR, to organise its first INDEA Debate 2024, at the Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The topic for the debate was ‘Does India Need a Design DNA?’ The platform provided a space for like-minded individuals from automotive design and design management to discuss and shape the future of mobility design focusing on the need for a distinctive automotive design language rooted in Indian culture, heritage, and ethos.
The debate marked a start with the inauguration by Sasmit Patra – Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Retd. Justice Indira Banerjee, Father Casimir, and Avik Chattopadhyay.
Remarkable personalities from the automotive industry
INDEA’s Debate is an annual event that will highlight its dedication to promoting innovation, thought leadership, and a distinct perspective in automotive design. The opening event witnessed a panel of prominent speakers including, Jean-Paul Oyono (Industrial Designer and Consultant, Member of the Academic Council, INDEA), Anand Sharma (Co-founder, Studio 34 Designart Pvt Ltd.), Saurabh Singh (Head of Design at Maruti Suzuki, India), Sathiyaseelan G (Vice President Design- Styling at Ashok Leyland), Sudhir Sharma (Founder & CEO IndiDesign), Bikash Jyoti Biswas (Head of Design at Ather Energy), Ravi Bhatia (President and Director JATO Dynamics India), and Gautam Sen (Automotive Expert, Writer, Journalist). The debate was moderated by Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEA.
Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, conveyed his thoughts through his speech where he said, “Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about inspiring minds to think critically and act purposefully for the greater good.’’ His thoughts resonated with the idea of the INDEA Debate 2024, which has a similar philosophy to encourage young professionals to explore how design can drive meaningful change in the auto industry and society at large.
Another industry veteran and mentor to INDEA, I.V. Rao stated, “The question of whether the auto industry needs an Indian design DNA is both timely and transformative. It challenges us to think beyond functional aesthetics and explore how design can reflect our culture, heritage, and aspirations. As a mentor to INDEA, I see this debate as a pivotal step in fostering a deeper understanding of design's role in shaping the future of mobility in India and beyond”.
Avik Chattopadhyay, chairperson XADM and founder of INDEA, said, “This year’s topic is not just a debate but a call to introspect on our identity and aspirations as a nation in the global automotive landscape. At INDEA, we believe that such dialogues are critical in shaping perspectives, fostering innovation, and nurturing a sense of purpose among aspiring designers and managers."
"This debate embodies the very ethos of INDEA—creating a platform where ideas converge, and the future of mobility design takes shape," he added.
The debate also promoted industry veterans and designers, fostering a productive dialogue that pushed the boundaries of conventional design thinking.
Participation
The event had a diverse audience of students, design professionals, and automotive enthusiasts, due to both in-person and online participation being available. For the people who couldn’t attend the event in person, they also arranged for live streaming on YouTube providing their audience with broad access.
