UDIT Marks 10-Year Evolution from IIAD with Cultural Evening
The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) has transitioned into the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT), marking the milestone with a formal event in New Delhi. The programme brought together members of the academic, creative, and cultural communities. The event featured performances, discussions, and a retrospective of the institution’s journey.
The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) marked its transition into the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) with a commemorative evening held at Bikaner House, New Delhi. The event included live performances and cultural presentations, with a focus on music, craft, and dialogue.
The programme featured a live Sufi music performance by Madan Gopal Singh and ensemble Chaar Yaar. The evening also included a second musical showcase with Gazi Khan Barna and Sawai Khan on khartal, Thanu Khan Manganiyar on bhapang, morchang and vocals, along with Rhea Jay Singh, presenting traditional forms alongside contemporary elements.
The event was attended by members of the creative, academic, and cultural sectors, including Dr. Jitin Chadha (Pro Chancellor, UDIT), Rhea Jay Singh, Leena Singh (Co-Founder, Ashima-Leena), Sunil Sethi (Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India), Amitabh Kant (Former CEO, NITI Ayog and Ex-G20 Sherpa, Government of India), Rita Chadha, Ajit Singh Chadha (Chancellor, UDIT), Shovana Narayan (Padma Bhushan Recipient & renowned Kathak exponent), Sharon Lowen (Eminent American-born Indian Classical Dancer and Cultural Ambassador; Exponent of Odissi, Manipuri & Chhau), and Jatin Das (Padma Bhushan recipient and painter, muralist and artist). Also present were Ashwajit Singh (Founder & Managing Director of IPE Global) and Nalini Singh (Senior journalist & Founder of Synergy Media Entertainment).
The event brought together professionals from design, education, and the arts, highlighting the institution’s progression over the past decade while outlining its academic direction. The evening opened with a visual retrospective of IIAD’s ten-year journey, followed by a culinary programme inspired by Shahjahanabad.
Dr. Jitin Chadha, Pro-Chancellor, UDIT, described the transition as a collective effort by the institution’s community. Reflecting on the development, he stated, “This celebratory evening marks a pivotal moment in our journey from the Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) to the UDIT, honoring a decade of design-led learning while embracing an integrated future that aligns with emerging technologies and collaborative practice.”
UDIT builds on IIAD’s ten-year foundation of design-focused education and industry engagement. The university follows an integrated academic structure combining design disciplines with emerging technologies through project-based learning and studio practice.
The institution operates across three academic schools. The School of Design includes Fashion, Visual Communication, and Product & Interior Design. The School of Management includes Fashion Management and Technology Management. The academic structure is based on an interdisciplinary approach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.