Kerala State institute of Design (KSID) celebrated its first convocation in a grand manner on the evening of Nov 3, 2018, 5 PM in the presence of Shri. T.P. Ramakrishnan, Hon.Minister for Labour & Skills and Excise, Govt. of Kerala and Smt. Mercykutty Amma, Hon.Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Cashew Industry, Govt. of Kerala.
Set up by the government of Kerala to foster a culture of Design and to provide design support for traditional industries and crafts sector of Kerala, KSID started its first Post Graduate Diploma programme in Design in 2015. The first batch of students of three disciplines namely Integrated Lifestyle and Product Design (ILPD), IT Integrated Communication Design (IICD) and Integrated Textile and Apparel Design (ITAD) started their classes on 2th August, 2015. The five semesters, two and half year masters programme got over in January, 2018.
While addressing the gathering of students, parents, designers, celebrities and public Shri. T.P. Ramakrishnan, Hon.Minister for Labour & Skills and Excise, Govt. of Kerala stressed the need to make this unique institution, the first Design school started by a state government an institution of international repute. The plans are on to develop further collaborations with National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. About 9 crore rupees are being allocated in the budget for KSID under Department of Labour & Skills. Appropriate guidelines and directions are being submitted to the Planning Board for approval.
Smt. Mercykutty Amma, Hon.Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Cashew Industry, Govt. of Kerala referred to the history of KSID and pointed out the original objectives for which it was founded. Kerala has a number of craftsmen and traditional artisans who toil in the craft sector and traditional industry. The original objective of KSID was to upgrade their skills and give them Design training and make them ready for the modern world. The institute was set up to cater to the needs of the state, upgrade traditional industries and crafts of Kerala and usher in modernity in all spheres of life of people of Kerala. Kollam has a number of people working with fibers like screw pine, coir, and other materials. The needs of that sector should be addressed. She gave away several awards including the award to the best outstanding student of the batch Shri Varun K of Communication Design programme.
Dr.Asha Thomas, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri A Alexander IAS, (MD,KASE) and Labour Commissioner, and Shri Prathamohan Nair, Executive Director(I/C), KSID and Shri T Manu, Associate Faculty, KSID also spoke on the occasion.
The day was marked by grand festivities comprising of a number of events held as part of Convocation 2018. The events included A Design summit, Competitions in Spot Photography, Spot short film making, TAA awards and Orion-innovation awards.
