IIT Guwahati Hosts State-Level ‘Design for Bharat’ Exhibition
Guwahati, December 23, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati recently hosted the State Level Exhibition for “Design for Bharat – Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026” at its campus. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ initiative to engage young innovators ahead of the national dialogue scheduled for January 2026.
Purpose of the Exhibition
The exhibition was organized by the Department of Design as part of the national “Design for Bharat” challenge. This initiative aims to encourage youth to develop creative, design-led solutions to address various social, cultural, and economic challenges, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Focus Areas
The initiative emphasizes the following key aspects:
- Nurturing innovation
- Promoting teamwork
- Enhancing critical thinking
- Providing mentorship
- Offering a platform for promising ideas to gain national visibility
Theme of the Exhibition
This year’s theme, “Duality (Dwividhta),” invited participants to explore transitional and in-between spaces where transformative ideas often emerge. The competition encompassed seven thematic areas:
- Health and wellness
- Education
- Agriculture
- Sustainability
- Connectivity and transport
- Sports and hobbies
- Safety and protection
Participation and Evaluation
IIT Guwahati, as the nodal institute for Assam, received 15 submissions from young designers across the state. After an initial evaluation, 13 entries were shortlisted, and 10 teams participated in the state-level exhibition held on December 22. Participants presented their concepts through detailed posters and product demonstrations, which were evaluated by an internal jury from the Department of Design along with invited dignitaries.
Notable Guests
The event was graced by several notable guests, including:
- Rahul Dev Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Gargya Group of Companies (Chief Guest)
- Pranabjit Hazarika of TCPL Packaging (Guest of Honour)
- Neelkamal Das of the Assam State Space Application Centre (Guest of Honour)
Opening Remarks
During the event, Prof. Pratul Chandra Kalita, Head of the Department of Design, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the initiative. IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation for inclusive development.
Awards and Recognition
After careful deliberation, the jury announced the winners of the exhibition:
- First Place: Priyam Jyoti Das from Golaghat Engineering College for his project on converting waste into green energy and organic fertilizer. He will represent Assam at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026.
- Second Place: A team from North Lakhimpur University for their agricultural rover prototype.
- Third Place: Jointly awarded to projects from IIT Guwahati and Swahid Peoli Phukan College, Sivasagar.
Impact of the Exhibition
Organizers stated that the exhibition provided participants with valuable exposure and confidence, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development through design-driven innovation. The event not only showcased the creativity and talent of young designers but also highlighted the potential of design in addressing pressing societal issues.
Conclusion
The “Design for Bharat” initiative is a commendable effort to harness the innovative capabilities of the youth in India. By providing a platform for young minds to present their ideas, it fosters a collaborative environment where creativity can thrive, ultimately contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Note: This article is based on the recent events surrounding the “Design for Bharat” exhibition held at IIT Guwahati and aims to highlight the significance of youth engagement in innovative solutions for societal challenges.
