Shri Ashok Mondal
Director, NID
Mr. Ashok Mondal, an alumnus of Visva-Bharati and the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, has an impressive career in design education and practice. Before assuming his current role as Director, he served as a faculty member at NID Ahmedabad, specializing in Lifestyle Accessory Design, Universal Design, and related disciplines.
His academic interests encompass Sustainability and Design, Material and Manufacturing Processes, Form Studies, Design Process, and Universal Design Thinking.
Mr. Mondal also worked as a Designer and Faculty member at the State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (SIDAC) in Odisha. There, he spearheaded initiatives in product development, curriculum design, and artisan training, playing a pivotal role in promoting regional craftsmanship.
As part of the MSME Design Clinic Scheme, he contributed significantly through extensive fieldwork. Additionally, he was a member of the Core Group responsible for academic mentoring during the formative stages of NID Andhra Pradesh.
Currently, Mr. Mondal leads the Project for the Development of the Indian Footwear and Leather Industry under the Design Studio Setup Scheme, initiated by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
His research interests include the evolution of form in traditional arts and crafts. He firmly believes that design research can elevate indigenous design to a global stage while respecting traditional practices and philosophies.
A strong proponent of NID Ahmedabad’s role in nation-building, Mr. Mondal embraces a "nation-first" ideology, advocating for design as a critical driver of societal progress and sustainable development. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda's educational ideals, he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of designers.
He also actively fosters collaborations with national and international institutions to promote Indian design on global platforms.
Rooted in his humble beginnings in a small village in rural Bengal, Mr. Mondal views education as a transformative tool for individual and societal advancement. He is dedicated to developing practical design philosophies that address the social and economic realities of the nation.
