Mody University: Inspiring Generations Of Women To Excel In Education & Entrepreneurship

By Prof. Dr Ashutosh Bhardwaj, President

Design is one of the most exciting and fast-growing career fields in the world today. From fashion and interiors to digital platforms and communication, design has a profound influence on almost every business. With industries demanding skilled and creative professionals, India needs institutions that can prepare the next generation of designers.

Mody University, a leading women’s university in Rajasthan, has taken strong steps to enhance the quality of design education and provide students with the right mix of creativity, industry exposure, and professional training.

Legacy with a Vision

Mody University of Science and Technology was established in 1998 by the Honourable Late Shri Rajendra Prasad Mody, a true visionary who, ahead of his time, founded the University exclusively for women. Guided by his philanthropic spirit and commitment to the social and psychological empowerment of women, he transformed his vision into reality by creating world-class infrastructure dedicated to women’s education.

The University is presently chaired by Honourable Raghavendra Mody, a next-generation leader and entrepreneur bringing a fresh perspective to its holistic development. Academic leadership is steered by Prof. Ashutosh Bhardwaj, a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator, with over 900 research publications, international collaborations, and a strong background in both academia and industry.

Prof. Bhardwaj exemplifies a visionary leader in higher education, serving as the President of the University. Prof. Meena Jhala, Dean of the School of Design, is a passionate fashion academician, researcher, and design consultant with over 40 years of expertise in fashion, textiles, crafts, and design education.

Mody University believes in nurturing minds with scientific, critical, and innovative thinking to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is committed to knowledge creation, dissemination, and application that drives both individual and societal progress.

Practical Learning at the Core

Established in 2014, the School of Design at Mody University has emerged as a vibrant hub for creative education, offering programs benchmarked to global standards. The university comprises six schools - School of Engineering & Technology, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Law, School of Pharmacy, and the School of Design - where the latter stands out with its comprehensive academic structure.

At the undergraduate level, it offers B.Des in Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Graphic, Communication & UX Design, while at the postgraduate level, students can pursue M.Des in Fashion and UX Design, along with Ph.D. programs across specialized domains.

The research areas include Fashion & Textiles with a focus on sustainable fashion, smart textiles, heritage crafts, and indigenous design; User Experience exploring design, technology, and innovation; Interior Design covering vernacular and heritage-based approaches; Crafts & Products emphasizing traditional crafts, e-commerce, and sustainable product design; alongside other design domains.

With its strong industry-centric model, the school ensures students gain both academic knowledge and practical exposure through internships and live projects. As Dean Prof. (Dr) Meena Mulrajsinhji Jhala highlights that this realworld engagement equips students to meet dynamic market demands, client expectations, and evolving industry trends.

To support learning, the university has built state-oftheart labs and studios. These include - Mac-equipped computer labs with the latest design software, sewing and pattern-making labs with advanced garment construction machines, textile labs for weaving and dyeing, carpentry and woodworking labs, resource centers for interior design materials, smart classrooms, and a library with thousands of books and journals. Such facilities ensure that students get both theoretical knowledge and technical skills that match industry standards.

Prof. Jhala further emphasized that an important factor behind the success of Mody University’s design school is its faculty. The team includes experienced academicians as well as professionals who have worked in the design industry.

This mix ensures students get the best of both worlds - structured academic learning and insights into industry practices. Regular reviews, workshops, and curriculum updates with experts from the industry on the Board of Studies further strengthen the teaching process.

The faculty also encourages students to participate in research, exhibitions, and national-level design platforms, which enhances their confidence and creativity.

Beyond Academics

Mody University believes in 360-degree development. Along with academics, students are encouraged to take part in debates, sports, cultural events, and creative workshops.

National and international seminars, conclaves, and panel discussions are frequently organized on campus, giving students opportunities to directly interact with industry leaders and experts. The University has established collaborations/MOUs for industrial and practical exposure.

The university also has a strong placement and training cell, which helps students build their portfolios, write resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with industry networks. Alumni of the design school have found opportunities in leading companies, design studios, and entrepreneurial ventures.

To make education accessible, Mody University offers a wide range of scholarships. Students with strong academic records or outstanding performance in board exams can avail themselves of partial or even full scholarships. Continuation of scholarships is based on maintaining academic performance, ensuring that hardworking and deserving students are always supported in their academic pursuits.

Looking ahead, Mody University is constantly upgrading its curriculum to include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital design tools, and sustainable design practices. The aim is to prepare designers who are not only creative but also responsible and ethical in their work.

Students are trained to think about sustainability, carbon footprints, and long-term usability of their designs, qualities that are increasingly valued by the global industry.

In conclusion, Mody University’s School of Design stands out as a model of innovation, creativity, and empowerment in design education. With its strong foundation, modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and focus on practical learning, it is helping women turn their passion for design into successful careers.

In a world where design touches every aspect of life, the university is ensuring that its students lead with creativity, confidence, and purpose.