Here's a reflection on some of the standout stories that shaped Anant's year in 2024, capturing key achievements, events, and community milestones.

As we look back at 2024, Anant National University celebrates a year of remarkable achievements and milestones. The year witnessed several firsts, an expanding global and local community, groundbreaking student innovations, vibrant festivals, impactful symposiums and dynamic collaborations. Together, these moments reflect Anant’s commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and excellence in education.

Launch of ADEPT and Admission of Anant’s Largest BDes Batch – Class of 2028

Last year, Anant set a ground-breaking precedent by introducing the Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test (ADEPT) in five languages. Inspired by the philosophy of Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, that “design goes beyond language,” the initiative aimed to break barriers and open doors for students across India. The first round of ADEPT was conducted on 25 January 2024. Prospective students from 200 different cities across 1,000 different schools attempted the test.

Anant made history by welcoming the largest BDes batch – the Class of 2028, comprising 478 young, creative and brilliant minds from 4 nationalities, 30 Indian states and 283 cities. The batch demonstrated exceptional achievements in sports – triathletes, black belts in Karate and Taekwondo; national level athletes in swimming, wrestling and judo; performing artists Odissi and Bharatnatyam dancers, vocalists and musicians; polyglots – languages like French, Japanese, Sanskrit and scores of other Indian languages. The Class of 2028 has a Guinness world record holder, a Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee, international English Olympiad gold medalists, entrepreneurs, artists and film producers – truly exemplifying a dynamic blend of talent, passion and ambition.

Building on this achievement, Anant is taking a significant step forward by offering ADEPT in 10 languages this year, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Punjabi.

Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal Interacts with Anant Students

Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, and Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, visited Anant National University. Mr Mittal interacted with Anant students and innovators/start-ups incubated by Aarambh Incubation Centre and visited the upcoming academic blocks along with Mr Piramal, Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, Founding Provost, Anant National University, and Dr Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant National University.

A total of 12 student innovators/start-ups presented their cutting-edge ideas, with four already having registered their start-ups.

As a parting gift, Anant presented Mr Mittal with a specially tailored shirt made using Kora Khadi, an unbleached and undyed fabric woven on handlooms by a group of skilled weavers in a small village in Tamulpur, Assam.

Charting New Heights – Inaugurating New Student Residence

On 29 August 2024, Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, alongside key members of the University leadership, inaugurated Student Housing 2 (SH2). Designed by Arya Architects, SH2 incorporates traditional architectural elements to cater to the needs of residing students while effortlessly tying together the existing Anant infrastructure. These elements align with Anant’s commitment to sustainability. SH2 is spread across 14,000 sq m and has the capacity to accommodate 500 students.

To provide the best-in-class learning experience to its students, Anant is embarking on a significant infrastructural expansion in the coming year, adding 10 new projects with an overall built-up area of 1.5 sq m.

Design Education for All IsCool – Anant Made it Happen

In line with National Education Policy 2020, which recommends the introduction of design courses and the integration of design thinking into the school curriculum, Anant launched CODE (Centre of Design Education). The centre will work on creating awareness amongst students, teachers, counsellors, principals and parents about design thinking and design as a discipline.

Our education system, based on rote learning and high scores as its measure of success, has been indifferent to inculcating creativity and critical thinking in our students. The introduction of design education in schools promises to make a profound impact on students’ creativity, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their emotional intelligence.

Putting the tenets of CODE into practice, the inaugural edition of Anant Summer IsCool was organised, with 75 students from 24 schools across India participating. The summer school immersed participants in design through five hands-on workshops led by distinguished designers and experienced Anant faculty. These included workshops on Graphic Design, Animation, Product Design, Photography and Design Experiences.

From national award filmmakers and globally renowned animators, artists, musicians and designers, the ten-day programme turned out to be a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary learning experience. It concluded with an exhibition spotlighting the participating students’ remarkable work, creativity and new-found skills.

Remarkable Achievement of a 5-Star Rating in GSIRF 2023 – 24

Anant National University has been honoured with the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category. This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence. Congratulations to our entire community for this achievement!

Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) is a partnership between the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) and the Indian Centre for Academic Rankings and Excellence (ICARE), India’s most trusted institution, Ranking and Rating Authority. The framework assesses higher education institutions using the same parameters as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

The Waterman of India @ Anant – To Lead Unique Studio Projects

Dr Rajendra Singh, the ‘Waterman of India’, joined as the University’s first Professor of Practice in Community Leadership in Environmental Design. He will mentor students through real-world, on-ground projects that foster community engagement and problem-solving skills.

Dr Singh will play a crucial role at Anant, helping students devise real-world solutions to pressing issues through studio projects. The studios will have three stages – Samvaad, Vimarsh and Nishkarsh, which will include off-site training, research and discussions, ideation sessions, identifying the problem and designing a solution.

6th Convocation – Anant Graduands Begin Their Journey as Solutionaries

Anant hosted the 6th Convocation, conferring degrees on 293 students from the Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Design and Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment. It marked a major achievement for the Class of 2024, graced by the presence of our Chief Guest, Mrs Sudha Murty. Mr Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University, Dr Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant National University, Dr Pramath Raj Sinha, Founding Provost, Anant National University and the members of the board were present during the convocation. Dr Swati Piramal, Vice Chairperson, Piramal Group, also attended the ceremony.

First University Exhibition – The Monsoon That Was

The ‘Monsoon That Was’, the semester-end exhibition showcasing the best of students’ works from the previous semester from all disciplines, was inaugurated by Mr Ajay Piramal on 9 February 2024 and was kept open for all till 18 February.

From visual arts to products using human-centred design to ‘Phygital’ products integrating medical devices with Al technology to scientific solutions for climate action were on display. The exhibition epitomised the university’s pedagogy and the diverse talents emerging from various programmes.

The exhibition showcased curated works of students from Foundation Year, the Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment, the School of Architecture, the School of Creative Practices and Entrepreneurship, the School of Climate Action and the seven majors at the School of Design – Product, Space, Interaction, Communication, Sustainable Fashion and Textiles, Moving Image and Transdisciplinary design.

Swaastha – Fostering Innovation Within the Healthcare Sector

On 29 June 2024, Anant inaugurated the Swaastha Healthcare Accelerator Programme in collaboration with India Accelerator (IA). The launch was held at the Anant campus with Shri Varunkumar Barnwal, IAS, Collector of Banaskantha, as the chief guest, marking a significant step forward in fostering innovation within the healthcare sector.

Designed to establish a tripod approach to bring start-ups, academic institutions and industries together, Swaastha seeks to drive innovation and address practical challenges faced by industries and society.

The programme received an enthusiastic response from start-ups nationwide, attracting numerous applications from varied fields. The first cohort supported 8 of the 180 applications from Pan India and a total of 53 Lakh INR grants were awarded.

Climate Champion Programme – Nurturing a Generation of Proactive Stewards for Our Planet

On World Earth Day, 22 April 2024, Anant School of Climate Action launched the Climate Champion Programme, a one-year initiative for school students to galvanise youth towards climate awareness and action, nurturing a generation of proactive stewards for our planet. This year, the programme engaged 31 school students and teachers from 10 schools and 5 cities to promote climate awareness and action.

The programme invited schools in Ahmedabad to nominate two students along with their principal or faculty representative to participate as Climate Champions. In one year, these champions will serve as catalysts for change within their school communities, championing climate action initiatives and inspiring their peers to join the movement. The participants will work in their capacity, and Anant will evaluate their efforts at the end of the programme.

It represents a collaborative effort to empower the youth of Ahmedabad to become proactive agents of change in the fight against climate change. Through education, engagement and action, we aim to create a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Architecture for All – International Symposium Brings Global Perspectives

Anant’s School of Architecture organised a three-day international Symposium, ‘Architecture for All: Call of the Future’, in February 2024, bringing together leading minds from the global architectural community to explore the future of architecture. A total of 40 presenters were selected from India and countries like Portugal, Bangladesh, Canada and the USA through a double-blind review process to showcase their research papers.

The keynote speakers of the symposium included Sri Lankan architect Madhura Prematilleke, architect Peter Rich from South Africa and Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum.

Spearheaded by Prof Snehal Nagarsheth, Dean, School of Architecture, the event explored nine identified themes: climate, identity, inclusion, well-being, ecology, technology, context, society and politics.

Rediscovering Roots – A Stimulating Exchange of IDEAs at Anant

Based on the theme ‘Rediscovering Roots’, the IDEA studio explored the intricacies of identity amidst an increasingly homogenised global culture, encouraging students to dig into their roots and blend modern with traditional. Around 200 students participated in eight enriching hands-on workshops. Their works were displayed in a two-day exhibition.

The workshops were conducted by a distinguished line-up of designers, including Gjoko Muratovski from Deakin University, Australia; Peer Sathikh from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Juan Antonio Islas Munoz from University of Montreal, Canada; Apoorva Mishra and Achyut Siddhu, Founders of Loksutr – a social enterprise working with indigenous communities, Cedric Serpes, a multidisciplinary designer and sustainability entrepreneur and McArthur Foundation awardee Shashank Nimkar.

WITH 2.0 – Celebrating Community Stories Through Music, Performance and Literature

We Immersive Transmedia Humain – WITH Festival celebrated storytelling and collaboration. The second edition aimed to reignite the attendee’s curiosity and wonder. Organisers stressed the importance of embracing wonder in a world focused on quantification. The festival fostered immersive experiences and storytelling magic.

WITH Festival promoted socially engaged storytelling for positive change. It connected storytellers, media makers and technologists with those committed to social and environmental transformation.

The festival featured diverse performances over two days. Highlights included Avni Sethi’s Kathak dance, Qawwals singing stories of devotion, Ishara Puppet Theatre’s Rumi interpretation and Prof Sanjeev Chatterjee’s film on ocean philosophy. Noriko Shakti’s electro music added a global touch that had the entire campus grooving.

SH4 Bhumi Poojan – Expanding Anant’s World-class Infrastructure

The Bhumi Pujan for Student Housing 4 was held at the Anant campus, marking another step forward in Anant’s efforts to provide world-class infrastructure for its students. Distinguished members of the Anant community were present for the occasion. The residence, designed by Architect Hafeez Contractor, blends modern and traditional perfectly in its design while using boxing in key spaces for shading, thermal buffering, reducing cooling loads and optimising daylight.

Offering a scenic view of a beautiful lake located adjacent to it, SH4 will have 293 triple-sharing rooms, accommodating approximately 879 students, and is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026.

Prioritising Health & Wellbeing – Launch of 24/7 On-campus Medical Care

On 4 July 2024, Anant inaugurated a new 24/7 medical service facility on campus in partnership with Blue Circle Medi Services, ensuring round-the-clock access to comprehensive healthcare for all community members.

The enhanced facility builds on the previous setup, which included a full-time nurse and a visiting doctor. The new infirmary features a four-bed daycare unit staffed by qualified nursing professionals and a doctor available around the clock. Equipped with necessary health monitoring tools, the facility can administer IV fluids, perform wound dressing and provide essential medical treatments, along with a well-stocked inventory of essential medicines for prompt attention to common health issues.

Recognising the importance of advanced medical support, Anant has also established tie-ups with nearby hospitals to ensure seamless access to tertiary care when needed. To further support the mental well-being of students and staff, a qualified counsellor is available during the day, with 24/7 access for urgent mental health concerns.

Launch of CPPA Compendium – Offering Invaluable Resource for Architects and Designers

On 30 January 2024, the Centre for Public Policy at Anant (CPPA) launched the first edition of the Policy Compendium. This compendium presents the most significant public policies in the built environment space. It is an invaluable resource for policymakers, urban planners, architects, designers and all those who are passionate about shaping the future of our built environment. This will also be a practical guide for our students and faculty as they continue to shape our built environment with creativity, compassion and a commitment to the common good.

Centre for Public Policy at Anant (CPPA) is a first-of-its-kind initiative setup in collaboration with Communeeti, a Delhi-based not-for-profit entrepreneurial venture on public policy. The centre works towards training architects, designers and climate activists on how policies are designed, implemented and measured in the future. It equips them with the knowledge and tools to analyse policies, advocate change and nurture them as future policy professionals.

Community Cookouts – Celebrating the Rich Cultural Diversity at Anant

Anant launched Community Cookouts in January as an initiative to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity on the Anant campus, bringing students, faculty and staff together for a culinary gathering to explore authentic dishes from the native places of community members.

In the first edition, Pawan Raj, Anant fellow, hosted an evening of flavourful feast of Litti Chokha on campus. Members of the Anant community got together, meticulously rolling litti dough balls and baking them to perfection in the open tandoor. The evening of food, traditional music and joy brought together the entire community.

The First Diversity and Inclusion Report Was Introduced

Anant’s first Diversity and Inclusivity Report showcases students, parents, faculty, staff and members of the Board. The report outlines the university’s progress towards creating a more diverse and inclusive community. It includes a series of diversity stories from the campus and demographic data around factors such as gender, disability, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

Anant Awarded Most Preferred Workplace 2024 by Marksman Daily

Anant was awarded the ‘Most Preferred Workplace 2024-25’ by Marksman Daily during its 4th Edition on 21 June 2024 in New Delhi. The accolade underscored Anant’s dedication to fostering an exceptional work environment, prioritising employee well-being, innovation and excellence and their commitment to inclusivity.

Team Marksmen’s ‘Most Preferred Workplace’ facilitates organisations that excel in creating remarkable working conditions for their employees.

Global Academic Collaborations – Delivering World-Class Education

At Anant, we solve global problems with the help of solution-oriented partners from India and abroad. Anant continues to collaborate with existing partners, including universities, NGOs, government bodies and industries, as well as welcomes new partners that have strengthened our dedication to offer multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts.

a) Virginia Commonwealth University
On 6 August 2024, Anant National University and Virginia Commonwealth University signed an MoU to collaborate on initiatives that support community immersion and innovation for a global impact. Anant is the first international university to collaborate with VCU’s da Vinci Center Shift Retail Lab. During the signing of the MoU, dignitaries from VCU present included Dr Michael Rao, President; Dr Jill Blondin, Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and Dr Garret Westlake, Associate Vice Provost for Innovation, Executive Director and Professor, da Vinci Center for Innovation.

b) India Accelerator for Swaastha
Anant launched a dedicated Healthcare Accelerator Programme, Swaastha, in partnership with India Accelerator on 13 May 2024. The aim was to support healthcare and allied start-ups. Swaastha delivered a tripod approach that fosters collaboration among start-ups, academic institutions and industries, driving innovations and solving practical challenges faced by industries and society.

The launch was chaired by Shri Varunkumar Barnwal, IAS, Collector of Banaskantha in the presence of the partner mentors including Mukul Bagga, MD, Medicom Healthcare, India; Ex-Novartis, Quest Diagnostics, J&J and Ranbaxy; Munish Bhatia, Co-Founder, India Accelerator and CEO, Bharat Ventures; Arindam Mukhopadhyay, Partner and Head, Corporate Innovation, India Accelerator; Dr Arun Purohit, Consultant, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare and Ketan Dhamanaskar, Managing Director, Exeltis.

c) Omysha Foundation
On 24 July 2024, Anant National University and the Omysha Foundation signed an MoU to develop impactful programmes focused on climate action and sustainable citizenship initiatives for school students aged 12 to 18. Combining Anant’s resources with Omysha’s initiative, ‘The VONG Movement’, the partnership aims to co-create and implement programmes that enhance awareness and drive social impact to advance sustainability.

d) ASSOCHAM
On 31 July 2024, the Aarambh Incubation Centre at Anant partnered with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

In April 2024, Anant was honoured at the IPR Conclave 2024 hosted by ASSOCHAM, where Dr Dhara Thakore, Head, Aarambh Incubation Centre, Handmade@Anant and Office of Career Services and Prof Milind Chitale, Associate Professor, School of Design and Director, Makerspace were presented the award by Dr Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Government of India.

e) Prabhat Education Foundation
In March 2024, Anant National University and Prabhat Education Foundation formalised an MoU to develop a holistic understanding of the gaps in the lives of children and adults with special needs and design an inclusive and equitable future of education through joint workshops, seminars and conferences. The partnership signifies our continued commitment to creating positive change in the community. Recently, Anant Fellows prepared educational content to help educators and health workers understand and identify signs and symptoms of special needs in children.

f) IG Drones
On 2 February 2024, Anant and IG Drones collaborated to enhance our training infrastructure for future technologies by aligning the curriculum with industry standards and introducing students to the latest technological advancements. As part of this collaboration, IG Drones will establish a Center of Excellence at Anant, provide a flying simulator, industry-standard relevant software for training and development, on-field training and a maker space with advanced facilities to assist throughout the course.

g) Italiano di Cultura Mumbai
In February 2024, Anant partnered with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Mumbai to present ‘Maza Mazagaon,’ an immersive exhibition celebrating the heritage of Mazagaon. The aim of the collaboration was to offer a unique blend of technology, research and storytelling prowess. The partnership also enabled Anant students to create a digital archive and document the stories and testimonies of Mazgaon’s residents for future generations.

The classroom project, hosted at Matharpacady Village in Mazagon, was mentored by Maia Marinelli, Visiting Faculty at Anant and Founder, H.E.A.R.T Foundation, Prof Vijay Sekhon, Associate Professor and Lead, Interaction Design, School of Design, Prof Aditi Vashisht, Assistant Professor, School of Design and Prof Pallavi Jain, Assistant Professor, School of Design together with 27 Interaction Design students.

h) University of Miami
Anant has an ongoing collaboration with the University of Miami that aims to assist, consult and collaborate on education, training and clinical and research initiatives. It also facilitates and encourages faculty and student exchanges, co-sponsors research projects, and seeks funding for these exchanges.

As part of the collaboration, Anant partnered with the University of Miami’s School of Architecture, offering an elective studio course on ‘Architecture in the Metaverse—Global Problems’ in January 2024.

In December 2023, Anant also organised a 48-hour gamethon conducted by Prof Lindsay Grace, Curator, JAMPACKD 2023 and Knight Chair of Interactive Media and a professor at the University of Miami School of Communication. 71 student participants from Anant and other universities created 16 games.

International Faculty @ Anant – Global Perspectives Converge in Classrooms

Anant has a great mix of faculty from across the world with diverse backgrounds and years of academic and industry experience.

a) Prof James Hegarty – Cardiff University

As part of Anant’s ongoing collaboration with Cardiff University, Prof James Hegarty, Professor of the Religions of South Asia, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University, and the third SCoPE Scholar at Anant, conducted a masterclass for Foundation Year students. The partnership explores opportunities for collaborative research projects, seminars, conferences and workshops, as well as the exchange of teaching and research staff and undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.

b) Dr Phillip Ellis – University of Pennsylvania

Dr Philip Ellis, a scholar-practitioner and Fellow in Democratic Civic Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania, served as a Visiting Faculty at Anant. During his tenure, he taught the students at the School of Design and Fellows from the Anant Fellowship for Climate Action and the Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment.

In his lectures, Dr Ellis addressed critical topics such as ‘Leading Collaborations for the Environment,’ ‘Solving Wicked Problems,’ etc. His curriculum integrated hands-on experiential learning with real-world applications to address society’s most pressing problems.

c) Irena Romendik – Multidisciplinary Artist

Prof Irena Romendik, a multidisciplinary artist and experienced academic, brings a new perspective to teaching at the Interaction Design, School of Design. She encourages students to explore different creative processes, including visual and performance arts and digital media, broadening their skills and fostering a holistic understanding of creativity. Prof Romendik aims to create an environment where students can experiment freely and discover their unique creative path, learning to connect diverse ideas.

At Anant, on her second visit, Prof Romendik says that she finds immense joy in guiding students on an exciting journey of discovery. “Anant uniquely blends India’s cultural traditions with technological innovation, fostering creativity. People are rooted in heritage yet forward-thinking, promoting a vibrant, innovative community,” she says.

d) Dr Garret Westlake and Dr Jill Blondin – Virginia Commonwealth University

Dr Garret Westlake, an Associate Vice Provost for Innovation, Executive Director and Professor at da Vinci Center for Innovation, Virginia Commonwealth University, engaged with Anant students and faculty for a masterclass on Lego Serious Play. Through the workshop, Dr Westlake showed how collaborative work can enhance connections and foster a positive environment.

Dr Jill E Blondin, Associate Vice Provost for global initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been associated with Anant’s Bachelor of Visual Arts, bringing her unique perspective to the classroom.

e) Dr Lindsay Kirker – Artist/Painter

Dr Lindsay Kirker is a visiting scholar at the School of Creative Practices and Entrepreneurship and a visiting faculty member at Anant. Dr Kirker is an award-winning and celebrated painter from Canada.

Drawing on recurring themes of love, loss, demolition and rebuilding, the built environment in Prof Kirker’s large-scale landscapes stands as a metaphor to explore the spectrum of human experience. She continues her practice at her studio and research at SCoPE while teaching our students visual art and more.

Anant Students Go Global

Anant students actively engage in different projects globally, enabling them to gain international exposure, collaborate across cultures and develop innovative solutions tailored to local contexts.

a) Anant Fellows at the Archipelago Agenda Singapore
The “Unbuilding Architecture” module conducted as part of the Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment at Anant National University focuses on addressing the inefficiencies of single-use structures by advocating for multi-use spaces that facilitate efficient, collaborative, and sustainable communities. The module was conducted by faculty Priyamwada Singh, Founder, Common Ground Practice – New Delhi; with Fateh Singh as a part of the teaching team.

The module was a part of the “The Archipelago Agenda” project initiated by Pratt University. The project ended with the 2-day workshop at Singapore Water Week and a panel presentation of the work completed by the students through the module. Anant was the only Indian University participating in this international project.

b) Sarthak Chakraborty – Class of 2024
Sarthak Chakraborty, an Anant graduand from the Class of 2024, majored in Interaction Design with Product Design as his minor. A resident of Kolkata, Sarthak actively participated in most extra-curricular activities at Anant, while also documenting university events and doing on-campus jobs.

As his graduation project, Sarthak transformed Italy’s Palazzo Fizzarotti using advanced AR, VR and photogrammetry techniques in collaboration with the H.E.A.R.T. Foundation. During his stint in Italy, he also got an opportunity to work with renowned artists and studios, including Rebecca Saverio from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Southern Italy, contributing his expertise in photogrammetry to support her restoration thesis as part of this innovative project.

Talking about his experience, Sarthak says, “This project has been a great learning experience for me. It helped leverage my technical proficiency and creative insights to craft narratives that inform and inspire.”

c) Architecture students working on Metaverse in Architecture
Welcome to Architecture in the Metaverse—Global Problems, an elective studio course offered through the School of Architecture to advanced and graduate students that allows them, through a platform called Engage VR, to meet in a virtual world. The course is hosted by the RAD Lab, which has instructors including Rodolphe el-Khoury, the dean of the school, and Indrit Alushani, a research associate.

It is being taught in collaboration with Anant National University in Ahmedabad, India. 21 architecture students from Anant National University are taking this course, and professors Ashish Tiwari and Ujjwal Dawar co-teach the university’s course.

d) Salzburg Global Seminar
Three Anant students, Prerna NT, Anant Fellow 2024, Hamza Wakhariya, BArch 2025 and Vagmi VS, BDes 2027, represented the university at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg Media Academy emphasises equitable change, aiming to ensure accessibility and inclusion for individuals from all communities worldwide. This year’s theme was the prevalence of AI – Belonging in the Age of Machines and Reimagining the Soul of Media. The programme saw 50 participants from more than 20 institutions and 15 countries.

Empowering Dreams

Aarambh Incubation Centre at Anant helps young start-up founders. Aarambh is supported by the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) of the Government of Gujarat. During the 2024-25 academic year, a total of 126 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) were filed. Aarambh provided support to 25 start-ups, 3 state-level Hackathons and 69 prototypes and awarded a total of 2 Cr INR in grants to both students and faculty.

Anant National University’s financial aid programme has provided over ₹26 crores since inception, in need and merit-based support to 1033 students, ensuring financial constraints do not hinder access to high-quality education. For the academic year 2024-25, a total of ₹4.71 crore in financial aid was awarded to students. This commitment to inclusivity reflects our vision of creating a diverse community where students learn from each other and the curriculum, developing their full potential regardless of socio-economic background.

Gujarat Police Adopts Anant’s AI-based Drone-Mapping System

The Gujarat Police used the Al-based drone-mapping system developed by our students and faculty during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024-a high-definition photogrammetric model of Mahatma Mandir and its surrounds, drone-mapped vital roads from the airport to Mahatma Mandir, and 360 aerial panoramic photographs of all vital traffic junctions across Gandhinagar.

Anant also showcased some of the best student works at the event! With prototypes for cancer detection, safety equipment, VR AR, design for the visually impaired, electronic textiles, etc., the Anant National University innovation space highlighted the University’s focus on impact-based work, extrapolating the futures of inclusivity, health, materials, safety, crafts amongst others.

Maza Mazgaon – Exploring Mumbai’s Cultural Mosaic with an Immersive Exhibition

Mentored by Prof Maia Marinelli, Prof Vijay Sekhon, Prof Aditi Vashisht and Prof Pallavi Jain, Anant’s students organised an immersive exhibition showcasing Mazagon, one of Mumbai’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Developed with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Mumbai, this project blended technology, research and storytelling.

Maza Mazgaon project delved into its past, present and future, exploring culinary traditions, cultural intersections and community harmony. The project was focused on creating a digital archive that documents residents’ stories for future generations.

Hosted at Matharpacady Village, the exhibition fostered dialogue and celebrated diversity. Meagan Pandian, India’s first pedal harp player, performed, captivating the audience. Through storytelling and interactive experiences, Maza Mazagon engaged visitors with the neighbourhood’s cultural tapestry.

The Virtual Campus Tour Feature Added to Our Website

The Virtual Campus Tour feature was made LIVE on the website of Anant National University to enable everyone to explore the University’s vibrant campus from anywhere, anytime.

From our state-of-the-art labs and collaborative studios to student housing, amphitheatre, Learning Commons and well-equipped gymnasium, anyone can use the newly launched feature to take a closer look at the facilities Anant offers.