Presidency University Hosts Deeksharambh-Adhyaay 2026: Prasad Bidapa Encourages Design Students to be Original

Presidency University's School of Design organised 'Deekshaarambh–Adhyaay 2026', an induction programme for its incoming batch of students, bringing together parents, faculty members and industry experts to mark the beginning of the new academic session.

The programme featured noted fashion consultant and design mentor Prasad Bidapa as the Chief Guest. Addressing the students, Bidapa drew from his decades of experience in the fashion and design industry and encouraged them to build their own creative identity instead of chasing trends. He said originality, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning are qualities that help designers remain relevant in an industry that continues to evolve.

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During an interaction with Srishti Bajaj, Director, School of Design, Bidapa also spoke about India's design legacy and the importance of preserving traditional crafts, handloom and indigenous art forms while responding to contemporary design challenges. He urged students to view design not merely as a profession but as a discipline capable of solving problems, preserving culture and improving everyday experiences.

The discussion also touched upon the changing landscape of design education and the growing opportunities available across product design, communication design, multimedia, visual storytelling, digital experiences and creative entrepreneurship. Students were encouraged to develop multidisciplinary skills and remain adaptable as technology continues to reshape creative industries.

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Established in 2019, the School of Design at Presidency University follows an experiential learning model that combines classroom instruction with industry engagement. Students regularly participate in masterclasses conducted by practising designers, workshops on emerging technologies and industry visits aimed at exposing them to professional work environments.

The School's annual design showcase, Flux, provides students with an opportunity to present their work before academicians, design professionals and industry representatives. The institution currently offers Bachelor of Design (B.Des.), B.Sc. Multimedia, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), with the BFA programme introduced in the 2026–27 academic year.

Over the years, the School has built a community of more than 300 students and has seen several of its learners gain recognition through national-level competitions. Earlier this month, Tejas Mallikarjun, a B.Des. Product Design student, was named a winner at the India's Best Design Awards (IBDA) 2026 in the Student Category, reflecting the growing visibility of student work from the institution.

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The induction programme concluded with an interaction between students and faculty members, offering the new batch an opportunity to understand the academic structure, learning opportunities and expectations that will shape their journey at the School of Design.

Disclaimer: This article was distributed by Presidency University and has been published as part of Careers360 marketing collaboration.