Kerala design institute to tie up with NID

Kollam: The first design school started by the state government, Kerala State Institute of Design (KSID) in Kollam, plans to collaborate with National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad to improve educational prospects.

The state government will also earmark Rs. 9 crore in the budget for KSID under Department of Labour and Skills. A roadmap containing guidelines and directions from the NID is with the planning board awaiting approval.

"NID is extending academic support for KSID and the curriculum of post-graduate courses has been designed by the institute. The faculties from NID work as guest lecturers in KSID," Rasique Kunnath, Information Technology administrator at KSID.

 "The NID has given a roadmap which has been submitted for approval with the Kerala Government."

The KSID further plans to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge of craft works prevalent in Kerala. "We are on a phase to conduct short-term courses on crafts and handmade items like thazhappaya (screw pine mats) in association with LSGDs and Kudumbashree units," Mr. Rasique added.

The objective of KSID is to upgrade the skills of traditional craftsmen who work with fibers including screw pine, coir, and other materials.

Set up by the government of Kerala to foster a culture of design and to provide design support for traditional industries and crafts sector of Kerala, the KSID started its first Post Graduate Diploma programme in Design in 2015.

The KSID offers programmes in three disciplines - Integrated Lifestyle and Product Design (ILPD), IT Integrated Communication Design (IICD) and Integrated Textile and Apparel Design (ITAD) started their classes on August 2, 2015.

The master's programme is of five semesters completing in a duration of two and a half years.