New Delhi, 10th September 2024: Vedatya, a leading educational institution in India, announces the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Manika Walia as Head of School, Design & Creative Arts, marking a significant step forward in their commitment to excellence in education.
Prof. Walia’s illustrious career began as a freelance designer, where she collaborated with prestigious apparel and soft furnishing design studios across India, the Middle East, and the United States. Her passion for design education led her to pursue a transformative program at the London College of Fashion in the United Kingdom. Her design doctorate has introduced a fresh perspective on “Design in India,” invigorating the nation’s creative economy.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sandeep Munjal, Director, Vedatya said, “We are delighted to welcome Prof. (Dr.) Manika Walia to our team. Her extensive experience and international recognition align perfectly with our mission to provide global education. With her leadership, we are confident that Vedatya’s Design School will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in the industry.”
Prof. (Dr.) Manika Walia expressed her excitement about joining Vedatya, stating, “I am excited to be a part of Vedatya at such a pivotal time. Design education in India is evolving, and I am eager to contribute to this transformation. I look forward to working closely with the students and faculty to foster a creative and innovative learning environment.”
Her international recognition includes being honored by Micol Fontana Couture in Florence, Italy, and she has been widely acclaimed in Vietnam for her expertise in design thinking. As a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Prof. Walia has collaborated on impactful design initiatives nationwide, further solidifying her reputation as a champion of design thinking.
As Head of School, Dr. Manika will play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of designers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in the global design landscape. Before joining Vedatya, Prof. Walia served as the founding dean at the School of Creativity at Rishihood University, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the future of design education. Her academic journey also includes significant contributions to institutions like IIS University, NIFT, Sushant University, and Rishihood University.
Her experience in her previous high-impact roles will also help further Vedatya’s innovative approach to learning with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusive learning, industry on-campus programs, heavy focus on applied learning supported by infrastructure and project-based curriculum, and strong industry internship and placement record.