Venturing out in the field of education, designer Raghavendra Rathore has announced a design and fashion school in Jaipur. Called ‘Gurukul School of Design’, the institute has already started receiving applications for its four-year Bachelors programme, which will begin soon.
It’s all about giving back
The idea has been brewing for the past two years. “I met individual, who partly helped me sustain a world-class education in New York, some 25 years ago. His support came with a condition to help others garner quality education in the future, prompting me to set up a design college,” says the renowned designer, and adds that his father too had a strong influence in awakening his sense of moral responsibility of “giving back”.
The designer, who is famous for his Jodhpuri Bandhgala suits, says schools need to transform their curriculum as education must also include business acumen and the ability to market an idea and set up a start-up after graduating.
What to expect
Discussing the curriculum at his school, he says, “The course will introduce students to a fascinating volley of unique and short courses. These design hacks will strengthen their foundation and skill sets which will come handy later. The fashion landscape is evolving, and it is imperative for students to be agile, knowledgeable, pragmatic and have the intuitive ability to take a U-turn if, or when necessary, negotiate vigorously, adapt to a changing situation without hesitation and be able to communicate their creative vision clearly.” Besides working on design assignments, students will also be encouraged to travel to international locations and understand the global design perspective.
Design-thinking approach
While Rathore’s decision to choose Jaipur for the campus may come as a surprise for many, the designer thinks that the location will help students. “It will provide access to handicrafts, endless textiles and rare techniques, which makes this region a global cultural hub. The hustle and bustle of a large city will be replaced by the serene and calmness of the Gurukul methodology. The aim is to provide a new way of “thinking design,” he says.
The admission procedure includes a portfolio, an entrance exam and an interview. The course costs around Rs 7 lakh annually.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Gurukul School of Design")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}