SRINAGAR: Anant National University, (ANU) India’s first DesignX University based in Ahmedabad, aims to reshape the educational landscape in India through its diverse array of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research and learning opportunities, with courses spanning design, architecture, climate action, and visual arts.
Recognizing the pivotal role of design thinking across various sectors like community development, climate resilience, infrastructure, and healthcare, the university aims to empower students to become catalysts for positive change – the solutionaries of the New Bharat!
Leveraging the NEP’s proactive stance on early-stage design education and the government’s unwavering support for modern educational paradigms, Anant National University is expanding its outreach to budding designers in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Introducing the inaugural edition of “Anant Design Summer IsCool”, the university unveils a dynamic summer school program aimed at immersing students and educators in the transformative realm of design.
This initiative seeks to not only expand awareness of the diverse range of design courses and career opportunities but also to enrich the learning journey through immersive experiences. Through comprehensive programs, participants will gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of design, empowering them to embark on impactful educational and professional pathways.
At the heart of Anant National University’s approach is the DesignX* methodology, a distinctive framework that fosters holistic learning by immersing young designers in their communities, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration. Central to this pedagogical approach is the integration of sustainable design principles with a myriad of knowledge domains and cutting-edge technologies, empowering students to address real-world challenges with impactful solutions.
Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in design, architecture, climate change, and visual arts, alongside fellowship initiatives in Sustainability and Built Environment and Climate Action, Anant National University is at the forefront of integrating sustainability into education. With the recent launch of Anant School for Climate Action (ASCA), India’s first climate school, the university equips students with the necessary skills to bridge the existing skill gap in climate-related sectors for sustainable development and green job opportunities.
In addition to its academic innovations, Anant National University is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity among its student body. The introduction of ADEPT (Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test) in regional languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Tamil reflects the university’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Central to Anant’s success is its exceptional faculty, comprising distinguished scholars and industry practitioners renowned for their expertise and contributions to their respective fields. The university’s partnerships with leading industry players and academic institutions worldwide, namely – the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Miami, Pratt Institute, Boston Architectural College, and MIT Solve, among others, further enhance its academic offerings and provide students with invaluable internship and scholarship opportunities.
Anant National University’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom, with initiatives like the ARAMBH incubation centre nurturing entrepreneurial talent and Various student labs such as Makerspace (a collaborative workshop area open to students), the Climate Lab (entirely committed to the university’s values- it is sustainable, carbon neutral and powered by renewable energy) and tinkering lab (a workspace for students to learn, experiment and develop their ideas into prototypes) -fostering innovation and hands-on learning experiences.
As a trailblazer in sustainable education, the university is committed to providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.