Jaipur: ARCH
College of Design and Business continues to redefine education, design, and
sustainability through groundbreaking initiatives and international
collaborations.
ARCH signed Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) with leading industries under its Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship (IFE)
program, an integral part of the Erasmus+ Co-Life project, a European Union
initiative promoting innovation, education, and socio-economic development. The
MoUs, signed with Jaipur Rugs, Jaipur Block, Kalpana Handmade Paper, and Neerja
Pottery, aim to integrate design, innovation, and sustainability into the
curriculum. This initiative prepares students to become socially responsible
entrepreneurs capable of addressing real-world challenges.
The MoU signing event witnessed the
participation of key industry leaders, including N.K. Chaudhary, Founder of
Jaipur Rugs, and Leela Bordia of Neerja Pottery, alongside international
delegates from the World Craft Council’s Asia-Pacific Region. Speaking at the
event, Archana Surana, Founder and Director of ARCH College of Design and Business,
stated, “These partnerships empower students to address societal and
environmental challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and
sustainability.”
The Erasmus+ project links ARCH with
renowned institutions like Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland),
Aarhus University (Denmark), and the Indian School of Development Management
(ISDM). Together, they aim to develop advanced courses on entrepreneurship,
equipping students with practical skills to tackle pressing global issues and
fostering a synergy between academia and industry.
Highlighting its global reach, Archana
Surana recently delivered a keynote address at the International Conference on
Fashion and Sustainability, hosted by Lusófona University in Lisbon, Portugal.
Her talk, titled “Responsible Fashion: Swipe Right,” emphasized the role of
Indian handloom and circular fashion in addressing environmental challenges.
Surana stressed how integrating traditional crafts with modern technology can
reduce the global fashion industry’s carbon footprint, which contributes 10% of
global emissions, while empowering local artisans economically.
At the Rajasthan Fashion Festival, Archana
Surana further showcased ARCH’s leadership by chairing a panel discussion on
“Jewellery as a Timeless Art: A Balance of Tradition, Fashion, and Modernity in
Design.” Renowned jewellery designer Rajeev Arora of Amrapali Jewellers joined
the discussion, highlighting the growing career opportunities in jewellery
design. Surana remarked, “Jewellery design today transcends tradition, blending
heritage, modernity, and innovation. Jaipur’s artisans have elevated this
craft, making it globally renowned.”
ARCH’s dedication to sustainability extends
to its campus, which incorporates solar energy conservation, water harvesting
systems, and sustainable development goals into its operations. The Design
Business Incubator (HubIn) at ARCH further supports students in creating
innovative, design-led business models that emphasize sustainability and
societal impact.
Through these collaborations and
initiatives, ARCH College of Design and
Business reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting
sustainability, and preparing students to become leaders in design and
entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of distinction, the college has carved a
niche for itself through its experiential learning model, which emphasizes
hands-on projects, immersive internships, and collaborative initiatives on a
global platform. This dynamic approach not only ensures academic brilliance but
also prepares students to thrive in the competitive realms of design and
business.
Attracting talent from all corners of India,
ARCH College cultivates a vibrant and inclusive community where diverse
perspectives fuel creativity and foster collaboration. With a strong focus on
international exposure and strategic global alliances, the institution empowers
students with a global mindset, equipping them with the skills and vision
needed to excel in their professional journeys.