New Delhi, May 25, 2026: The Department of Design and Innovation, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) inaugurated the Design Degree Show 2026 (DDS 2026) on Friday, 22nd May 2026, at the FTK-Centre for Information Technology (FTK-CIT) Conference Hall, JMI. The two-day exhibition, being held on 22nd and 23rd May 2026, showcases the major final projects of graduating Master of Design students, celebrating creativity, innovation, research, and design thinking aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
The inaugural ceremony was formally inaugurated by Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his welcome address, Prof. Qamar Irshad, Dean, Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics and Head, Department of Design and Innovation, highlighted the Department’s commitment to fostering an academic environment where imagination is transformed into meaningful innovation and socially relevant design solutions, while also acknowledging with gratitude the continued encouragement and support of the Prof. Mazhar Asif, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia towards promoting innovation, design education, and interdisciplinary learning in the University.
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar JMI appreciated the creative and research-oriented work undertaken by the graduating students and encouraged them to pursue design with curiosity, commitment, and social responsibility. He observed that design has a transformative role in shaping society, culture, technology, and the future, and appreciated the Department’s contribution towards nurturing innovation-driven talent in line with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat.
The exhibition presents nineteen major graduation projects spanning industrial and product design, user experience and digital platform design, communication design, exhibition design, and systems design. The projects demonstrate a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, technological innovation, and community engagement. Among the notable works showcased were an electricity-free hybrid ceramic food preservation system, a machine-learning-assisted neonatal care tool, a multilingual digital platform for India’s sericulture community, a cooling system for non-AC railway coaches, and an e-rickshaw mobility framework for Jamia Nagar, Delhi.
Prof. Lalit Kumar Das, senior faculty member, proposed an interdisciplinary mentoring initiative wherein students could be jointly guided by faculty members from Design and other academic departments, enabling broader learning perspectives and more holistic academic growth.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official release of the DDS 2026 Catalogue by the Chief Guest along with the Dean and senior faculty members amidst enthusiastic applause from students, faculty members, and invited guests. The catalogue documents the graduating projects and reflects the academic and creative achievements of the Department.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Tawseef Majeed, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished faculty members, jury members, mentors, students, organising teams, and all contributors for making the event successful. Following the inaugural session, the jury members visited the exhibition spaces for evaluation and interaction with the graduating students.
