Nitin Gadkari Lays Foundation Stone Of INDEA At XLRI Delhi-NCR

The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), India's first institution dedicated exclusively to automobile design and management, marked a historic milestone with its groundbreaking and foundation stone ceremony at XLRI Delhi-NCR, Jhajjar (Haryana). The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest by virtually joining the ceremony to lay the foundation stone and extending his support to this forward-looking initiative.

INDEA, developed under the aegis of XLRI's Centre for Automobile Design & Management (XADM), aims to revolutionize design education in the country. Led by Mr. Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of INDEA and Chairperson of XADM, the institute is dedicated to cultivating a new generation of automotive designers and visionaries who are equipped to meet both global standards and local needs.

Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of INDEA and Chairperson of XADM

Virtually unveiling the foundation stone of INDEA, Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari said-"India's automobile sector holds the key to economic growth, employment generation, and global competitiveness. As we strive towards the Hon'ble Prime Minister's USD 5 trillion economy vision, our industry is evolving from being cost-driven to quality-led, anchored in smart design, robust safety, and sustainable practices. The future will be shaped by strong R&D, innovation, and next-generation testing and certification. I am confident that the young talent trained at INDEA will become catalysts for change, turning knowledge into innovation, and innovation into national strength."

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Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Dr. K.S. Casimir, Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR, remarked- "This ceremony marks a major leap in our vision of creating an institute that seamlessly blends design thinking, technical prowess, and industry alignment. Shri Nitin Gadkari's digital presence as Chief Guest is not only an honour but also a strong endorsement of the vital role that design can play in India's mobility future."

Avik Chattopadhyay, founder of INDEA and chairperson of XADM, said - "INDEA is designed to be more than just an educational institute - it is a movement to elevate India's design capabilities. With the encouragement of leaders like Shri Nitin Gadkari and guided by the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are confident INDEA will become a key enabler in India's journey to becoming a global design and innovation hub."

The event also served as a platform to initiate future collaborations between academia and industry, fostering conversations around sustainable mobility, indigenous innovation, and the global positioning of Indian design talent.