ARCH Design Dhara is a powerful initiative taken by the Arch Academy of Design towards spreading awareness of critical & strategic design thinking, & research based higher education pathways to raise employable skills amongst the youth.
The first ARCH Design Dhara, was a mobile TRAVELLING EXHIBITION on wheels, which was flagged off by Smt. Vasundhara Raje, the Honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan on 16th June, 2014.
The event was inaugurated by Bollywood Actor, Zayed Khan.
Welcoming him, ARCH founder and Director Ms. Archana Surana shared with us, “Design Dhara 2017- a Design & Craft Mela to create Awareness about Design Education amongst students & to give them an opportunity to learn with the skilled craftsmen. Students will get to understand the “Career Opportunities after Design Education” directly from the ace designers, entrepreneurs, HR Manager. Along with there will be live demonstrations on different crafts by Artisans.”
Zayed, was impressed seeing the crafts and products developed by the students at ARCH. He was spellbound seeing the beautiful jewellery collection. On this occasion he also launched Backstitch- ARCH’s Monthly Design Magazine and the poster of Design Story Photography competition lit by Arch to start from 1st September, 2016. He interacted with the students from different schools, colleges and media personnel and also introduced the audience with his latest app “ImKnotShy”.
The 3 day Fair saw different Artisans & Craftsmen displaying their skills related to Puppetry, Weaving, Pottery, Laser Cutting, Button Masala, 3D Pritning, Block Printing, Wood Cut, etc and Designers like Ms. Anuradha Singh, ADG Jawahar Kala Kendra and Mr. Paresh Founder-Neos Angles coming in and interacting with the students from different schools and other people visiting the event on the topic “Design in Everyday Life”.
Speakers shared insights about Design and Entrepreneurship wherein a state like Rajasthan and Jaipur- the world craft city is known for its Jewellery, Handicrafts, Textiles and Prints & Tourism world over has immense opportunities not only for learning but to start your own enterprise.
The campus had been decorated as a mela with Colorful banners, Selfie points and live workshops going on. The fair is a perfect example of learning with fun!
The students took Special interest in the Laser Cutting, 3 D Scanning and Photography. Sharing more about it, ARCH Director Academics- Prof. Benoy Thoompunkal said, these facilities have been introduced at Arch Business Incubator, a first of its kind initiative in Rajasthan, where you get a chance to convert your creativity into an expandable business opportunity.
During the Fair, Arch Academy witnessed footfall of more than 1500 students & guests from top schools, colleges and universities of Jaipur.
Design Dhara was full of colours, interaction and display of various skills ranging from Weaving to 3D Printing, from Jewellery Making to Block Printing, Arch Design Dhara has it all!
Design Dhara is ready to go to more cities in Rajasthan!!
Archana Surana, Founder and Director of ARCH College of Design & Business, has been re-elected as Board Member of the Cumulus Association Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term. She previously served as the Vice President from 2022 to 2025.
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