Anant National University, India’s first DesignX university, hosted students and educators from J&K as part of the inaugural Anant Winter IsCool, offering them an immersive and transformative learning experience.
This initiative by the Centre of Design Education (CODE) aligns with Anant’s mission to integrate sustainability, design and innovation into education, echoing the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The field of design extends far beyond the common perception of mere ornamentation and aesthetics. It is a discipline that merges creativity with critical thinking, fosters an interdisciplinary understanding of community, integrates technology and prepares individuals to become adept problem solvers.To foster these skills, Anant Winter IsCool welcomed 28 students and 7 educators from 3 schools in Kashmir, including National Innovations Public School Zainapora Shopian, Birla Open Minds International School Pampore and Life School Chararsharief
The participants explored the concept of Design Thinking and familiarised themselves with design through hands-on modules led by eminent designers. Additionally, Winter IsCool also featured master classes on Design Thinking, craft-making sessions with artisans from Leh and Manipur and other exciting activities, providing participants with a holistic understanding of the design process and its applications in real-world scenarios.
The programme marked a significant shift from traditional rote learning methods, encouraging participants to innovate and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset.
The product design workshop highlighted the environmental impact of PET bottles, the importance of recycling and ways to repurpose these bottles into useful products using sustainable practices. Through the workshop on animation, participants learnt the stop-motion technique of animated filmmaking, while the moving image workshop introduced them to the world of cinema through demonstrations, group projects, presentations and feedback.
The two craft-oriented workshops – the Thongjao Black Pottery Workshop and the Weaving Poems Workshop – highlighted the intersection of art and design. Led by artists from Manipur and Leh, the workshops helped participants appreciate India’s rich cultural heritage while understanding the vital role of traditional crafts in sustainable development.
Talking about the initiative, Dr Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant National University, said, “Anant Winter IsCool reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators. By introducing Design Thinking to students and educators, we aim to inspire a culture of innovation and problem-solving.”
