“Designing is more than a profession. It is a profound way of life. It is a lens by which you will learn, perceive, shape, and ultimately improve the world around you, translating your unique vision into actual solutions,” said Lalitha Devi Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Managing Trustee, GKD Charity Trust at the induction ceremony of DJ Academy of Design.
DJ Academy of Design (DJAD), a premier Design Educational Institution under GKD Charity Trust held its induction ceremony for freshers who have joined its Bachelor’s and Master’s program, on Monday. Lalitha Devi Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu presided over the event in which the academy welcomed the freshers.
Vydianathan, Dean, DJAD gave a quick overview of Design education and its purpose.
“People often ask me what the most important subject is that students learn in a design school. My answer always is the same – it’s not software, sketching, model making, or artificial intelligence,” he said.
“It is the ability to observe. Observation is the designer’s greatest strength. Observe people, cultures, nature, technology, materials, and emotions. The more deeply you observe, the more meaningfully you stand, and the better you understand, the more relevant the impact of your designs become,” he added.
Adding more value to this perspective, Soundhar Rajhan, Chief Mentor of the GKD Charity Trust, said that the whole idea of design is not merely about appearance. It is about understanding people, solving meaningful problems, and creating better experiences. That makes design both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Participate and practice only three simple habits. Remain curious – never stop asking ‘Why’; Embrace Discomfort as growth will come through challenge, critique, deadlines, unfamiliar problems. Design with purpose – ask not only what you can create, but why it matters and to whom it matters. That is very important,” he said.
“The future belongs to those who connect creativity with critical thinking, technology with humanity, innovation with ethics. That is the kind of education we aspire to provide at DJ Academy of Design,” he shared.
Underlining the strength of DJAD, Lalitha Devi Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu said that at a time when design education is growing rapidly, with design departments emerging in every art and engineering college, DJAD stands apart as a specialized creative sanctuary built on more than 20 years of experience, multiple industry awards, and a strong legacy of successful design projects.
“Today is not just your first day at DJAD. It is the official launch of your career in design. Commit yourselves to the highest standards of creative rigor. Your journey at DJAD is not only about earning a degree; it is about discovering who you can become. So dream fearlessly, learn relentlessly, and create fearlessly too,” she remarked.
Raja, Head – Academics, DJAD rendered the Note of Gratitude.
