Dr. Rupali Pandit

Associate Professor, Textile Design (BDes)

Gandhinagar Campus

Dr. Rupali Pandit

faculty-1
  • rupali.pandit@nift.ac.in
  • Link CP-TD
  • SDAC
LinkedIn Profile

Dr Rupali Pandit is an Associate Professor (Senior Grade) at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Gandhinagar. She currently serves as the Link CP for the Textile Design Department and Student Development Activity Coordinator (SDAC). With over 25+ years of experience spanning industry, consultancy and academia, she brings expertise in textile and surface design, print design, craft studies, design processes, creative thinking, design thinking and design education. She holds a PhD in Design from Banasthali Vidyapith and an M.Des. in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Before joining NIFT in 2006, she worked with Ashima Group and Arvind Limited and undertook design consultancy with NID, NIFT, NEHHDC and craft communities. At NIFT, she previously served as CIC, CC–M.Des., CC–Textile Design and CIDL.

Her research focuses on design thinking as a pedagogical approach, design education, craft-based innovation, co-creation and the application of human-centred design in school and higher-education contexts. Her scholarly work examines how design thinking develops creativity, empathy, reflection, inclusion and problem-solving abilities among learners. Her publications include studies on co-creation, design thinking in educational settings, and its integration with project-based learning in K–12 and higher education. She received the Best Paper Presentation Award from the Council for Teachers Professional Development in 2025. Her academic contributions include serving as editor and designer of Languishing Textile Heritage of Gujarat, a publication based on NIFT students’ documentation of textile crafts, and as a subject matter expert for developing MOOC content on textile arts and crafts under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Alongside her research, she completed several government and industry-supported design interventions, involving design development, skill enhancement and training for artisans engaged in block printing, handloom weaving, embroidery, beadwork and jute crafts. She also contributed to public-space furnishing, institutional uniform design, and artisan design-sensitisation programmes.

Dr Pandit maintains a strong interest in handcrafted textiles, indigenous knowledge systems and sustained engagement with artisan communities. She mentors students in textile design, craft research, surface development and industry-linked graduation and research projects, encouraging them to combine cultural sensitivity with contemporary design practice. Her outreach work connects design education with craftspeople, industry and academic institutions. She is a life member of the Council for Teachers of Professional Development and is affiliated with the Association of Designers of India. Her professional practice reflects her commitment to nurturing creative learners, supporting craft communities and advancing design as a socially responsive discipline.