Delhi-NCR – In a bold step toward shaping the identity of Indian automotive design, the Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA) and XLRI-Delhi NCR are gearing up to host The INDEA Debate 2024. This groundbreaking event, themed “Does the Auto Industry Need an Indian Design DNA?”, will serve as a vibrant forum for industry experts to explore the future of mobility design in India.
Scheduled for Monday, December 16, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, the debate will unite a stellar panel of thought leaders to examine whether Indian culture, heritage, and ethos should define the design DNA of its burgeoning auto sector.
A Platform for Transformation
Launched this year as an annual initiative, The INDEA Debate underscores INDEA’s commitment to fostering innovation, thought leadership, and a national identity in automotive design. India’s emergence as a global automotive powerhouse makes this conversation both timely and significant, addressing the pressing question of whether a distinctly Indian design language is essential or if a global design alignment better suits the country’s ambitions.
Distinguished Voices in Automotive Design
The event will feature a classic debate format, showcasing arguments from an illustrious panel, including:
- Jean-Paul Oyono, Freelance Designer, Geneva
- Saurabh Singh, Head of Design, Maruti Suzuki, Gurgaon
- Feroz Ali Khan, Head of R&D, Hero MotoCorp, New Delhi
- Anand Sharma, Co-founder, Studio 34, Manesar
- Sudhir Sharma, Founder, Indi Design, Pune
- G. Sathiyaseelan, Head of Design, Ashok Leyland, Chennai
- Ravi Bhatia, Managing Director, Jato Dynamics, Mumbai
Moderating the discussion will be the esteemed Gautam Sen, automobile historian, author, and INDEA mentor.
Thoughts on the Debate
Dr. Fr K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI-Delhi NCR, emphasized the relevance of this dialogue:
“As a nation with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, India has an opportunity to influence global mobility design profoundly. This debate will help us determine whether our design future should reflect a distinct Indian identity or a broader, global ethos.”
Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEA, elaborated on the theme:
“Our cultural richness has always fueled creativity. This debate will investigate whether India’s design DNA lies in crafting a unique identity or aligning with a global narrative that mirrors our progressive outlook. It’s about determining what truly represents India on the global stage.”
Driving Insights Forward
The outcomes of this landmark debate will be captured in a white paper, intended to guide future initiatives in automotive design. With participation options available both in-person and virtually, this event promises to reach a wide audience of stakeholders eager to shape the future of Indian design.
For updates and details on virtual attendance, visit the INDEA LinkedIn page or tune in to the live stream on YouTube.
A Step Toward Defining India’s Automotive Identity
The INDEA Debate 2024 isn’t just an event; it’s a call to action for industry leaders and visionaries to reflect, discuss, and act on the identity of Indian automotive design. As the country accelerates its journey as a global auto hub, this debate marks a pivotal moment in defining its design DNA and global footprint.
