Raghavendra Rathore sets up design school in Jaipur

Fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore, known for offering a touch of royalty to his customers with his bespoke ensembles, has now taken up the initiative of bringing focus on the issue of design education by setting up his own institute -- The Gurukul School of Design -- in Jaipur.

According to the designer, The Gurukul School of Design teaches the value of culture through its interpretation of the Gurukul way of life, imparts specialised knowledge to students to become entrepreneurs as soon as they graduate.

The institute will also help students gain insights on how to build a valuable brand via modern communication skills, emphasise the business hemisphere so that design students can read 'balance sheets' and more importantly value the immense knowledge of our heritage and the rich resources.

What made him get into this side of business?

He told IANS here: "I had this thought from a very long time. I wanted to bring in the change the way people are being taught. Also, I wanted to give back to the society.

"Also it is the most important time right now as the country is going through a very silent revolution. We are moving from manufacturing concept to design-oriented country and I think we require huge talent going forward whether it is fashion, merchandising and marketing."

He also feels that talent treated in school needs an upgrade as there is a huge change in the way people are buying products.

"Recreate the courses related to our sensibilities, geography, resistance, habits and culture and the curriculum I have designed is very crucial. I have figured out what are the pitfalls. The course has to be real and there won't be just study. Also, we will absorb some of the students in our company and they will be on contract to work on live assignments," he added.

The special curriculum that has been designed by Rathore himself along with international and local experts stresses on deeper maturity of design, the ability to visualise and market a creative idea with modern communication tools, the business acumen behind the idea and most importantly via the Gurukul way of life.

The courses will span four years, taking the students through a journey which will introduce them to a fascinating volley of unique and short courses.

The location of the campus in Jaipur, will give students immediate access to handicrafts, endless textiles and techniques. The institute's aim is also to provide a new way of "thinking design" and provide a sound and a holistic education.

--IANS

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