Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for the design sector in India to have opportunities akin to the Indian Premier League (IPL) model in cricket. He highlighted the importance of enabling talented youth to pursue design as a viable profession without reservations. Shah made these remarks at the inauguration of the Incubation and Innovation Centre at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Gandhinagar.
Drawing parallels with cricket, Shah mentioned how even renowned cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar faced financial challenges in the past despite their skills. He pointed out that perceptions towards cricket changed significantly after the introduction of the IPL, which turned the sport into a financially rewarding career option. Shah stressed that young designers in India encounter similar challenges in terms of commercial opportunities and recognition.
Shah urged NID to establish mechanisms that bridge the gap between designers and industry demands. He suggested the creation of a dedicated vertical within the institution to focus on commercializing design work. The Home Minister also highlighted the need for Indian designers to receive more international exposure to showcase their capabilities effectively.
At the event, Shah emphasized the importance of expanding design education across various sectors, including industrial parks and chip manufacturing. He called for deeper integration of design into industry and society, emphasizing NID’s role in fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The event was graced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and other dignitaries, including NID officials, faculty, and students.
