Ahmedabad: New National Institute of Design head known for mobile aversion

In today's age when technology has taken over our lives, the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad gets a new director, someone who is known for not using a mobile phone. Professor Praveen Nahar's name has been approved by the Appointment Committee of Cabinet for the director's post at NID Ahmedabad for a term of five years. Nahar, however, never made the decision of not using a phone an issue on campus. For students, not using a mobile phone made professor Nahar more available for them while discussing projects.

Commenting on the appointment, a textile design student from 2014 batch Rhea Muthane feels he is the best thing that could have happened to NID. "He is an open-minded teacher and a good guide and mentor. He connects with students and people much better than the rest. He is known for his unconventional views and the only professor who does not use a mobile phone" she said. On whether not using a mobile phone was a problem for students, she said, "The best part about him not having a mobile phone as he was always available on campus and we found ways to connect him through landline or email. When we would find him, we would end up having a long conversation as he would never be distracted by calls or messages and would never be in a hurry to leave. The most interesting part was despite not having a mobile phone, he is someone who is most connected with people, on campus and in industry."

Commenting on the appointment, former director of NID professor Pradyumna Vyas who retired last year said, "I am pleased that NID is in safe hands and will move forward more effectively."

Professor Nahar is well connected internationally and his system thinking is world recognized. He is also very well known in the international community. What lies as a challenge or focus areas for him will be research, emerging challenges of sustainable development, dealing with design thinking in a complex fabric of India and retaining NID's leadership position with so many design schools mushrooming. He is quite capable of doing so."

On mobile phone usage, Vyas said, "Yes he is known for not using a mobile phone but that has not affected our communication with him ever. He is always approachable by other ways."

Apart from Nahar, other two contenders who were shortlisted were Dr Vandana Bhandari from NIFT Delhi and Dr Vikram Parmar, a faculty at NID Ahmedabad. Nahar has been associated with NID for 17 years and is a faculty at Industrial Design department. Official communication from the ministry is yet to be received. Dna tried to contact professor Nahar on email and landline, but there was no response form his side.