Sudarshan Khanna, is the principal designer, educator and head of the Toy Centre for design innovation, research, development, and documentation at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India. He is India’s leading expert on folk and traditional toys sector. Working with indigenous toy makers, and sharing his knowledge through workshops with educators and children all over the world has been part of his passion and mission. An internationally acclaimed toy designer and educator, he has helped establish the Post Graduate Program in Toy Design & Development at NID. Prof Khanna currently chairs the research & publication activity and is a member of NID’s Governing Council. He is closely associated with socio-cultural organizations and a visiting faculty at national/international institutions

 

Prof. Sudarshan Khanna has authored 3 books and many articles on toy design, culture and creative education. Over 15 educational TV programs have been made on his work related to toys, development, culture and education.

 

He was conferred 1996 National Award for his life time work for the

design-science popularization among children. Prof. Sudarshan Khanna is the past president of ITRA (International Toy Research Association) and founder Chairperson of “Toys for Tomorrow”- vision-action international forum. More information of his work, interests and contributions can be viewed at

 

 

 

Today, the design profession and education is largely business focused. Why not to have options for broader, more holistic context and contribution. Why not to also go for the long term, sustainability based approach and systems.

 

In spite of dealing with creativity, innovation, explorations, insights, and social - cultural issues, design is not yet a part of the school curriculum in most societies. How can the design activity and education base extended to many more young people.

 

Are the current design practices and education models bypassing the local and community based knowledge systems? Is not this very evident in many tradition rich societies?

 

What is the role of design institutions and associations today? Why many Societies haven’t yet accepted design as important activity and profession. Are institutions and professional associations capable of working for the long term contexts and the “Good for All” holistic approach? Are there durable mechanisms to work together with industry, other professionals and researchers?

 

What would be the contexts and forms of the new design institutions and studios in near future? How do we create and sustain many creative forms of design education, design research and development by utilizing networks and the valuable, diverse socio-cultural resources.