August was buzzing with activity as Anant welcomed the Class of 2025. Highlights included a special visit from Mr Adil Zainulbhai, the Orientation Programme for the BDes Class of 2029, the launch of the Climate Champion Programme 2025 and the School of Architecture’s DArc-Lab. Adding to the vibrancy were masterclasses, workshops, interactive sessions, exhibitions, convenings and the much- anticipated Cricket Carnival.
Anant welcomed the newest batch of future changemakers from the Class of 2029, as 462 young, creative minds from the BDes programme began their design journey with a three-day Orientation Programme 2025. It opened with an address by Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, followed by a faculty meet and addresses by other academic leads. Prominent designers and academics also conducted insightful masterclasses.
The Foundation Year students also put up a wonderful exhibition of the outcomes from their Unlearning Module, showcasing material explorations, city walks and theatre-based collaborations.
Anant hosted the Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening on the campus. The convening was organised in collaboration with Penn Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), which brought together scholars, education policy experts and practitioners to explore Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies. It also set the foundation for an India-based research project through dialogue, interactions, paper presentations, exhibitions and panel discussions. Distinguished dignitaries at the convening included Dr Diti Pundrik Vyas, Associate Professor, SCoPE, Anant National University and Dr Leland S McGee, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Penn GSE, University of Pennsylvania and Anant SCoPE Scholar, among others.
On World Nature Conservation Day 2025, the Anant School for Climate Action launched the Climate Champion Programme 2025 – a nationwide, yearlong initiative. ASCA celebrated the first cohort of the programme, empowering 31 school students and teachers from 10 schools and 5 cities to lead climate action across India. Mr Madhish Parikh, Founder and President of Elixir Foundation and Youth Ambassador at EarthDay.org, was the Chief Guest of this event.
At Anant, we embrace diversity by celebrating festivals from across traditions and cultures. This month was marked by vibrant festivities, starting with Independence Day at the Samskardham campus, featuring flag hoisting and cultural performances by school students. Janmashtami brought colourful decorations, music and dance, while Ganesh Chaturthi saw vibrant festivities, accompanied by engaging activities that brought together students, faculty and staff in joyous celebration.
The intra-university box cricket tournament – Anant Cricket Carnival Season 3, organised by the Office of Student Services and the Sports Club, was a vibrant celebration of sport, spirit and breaking boundaries. For the first time, it featured 4 women’s student teams and 4 alumni teams, alongside 6 men’s student teams and 2 faculty-staff teams. Team White Airavats (alumni team) claimed the men’s title, while Team United 7 triumphed in the women’s final after a nail-biting win.
Anant’s School of Architecture launched DArc-Lab – A Design Cell to mentor and support students in national and international design competitions. SoA hosted Mr Madhusudhan Chalasani, Founder of MADe Studio, who shared insights on the value of process, collaboration and continuous learning, inspiring students to approach competitions with an open mind and focus on growth over immediate results.
At Anant National University, students are empowered to pursue diverse career pathways, backed by dedicated support for placements, entrepreneurial incubation and academic guidance, ensuring every student can carve a path aligned with their passion and purpose.
Our alumni continue to make us proud:
Aaradhya Soni (Class of 2022, Space Design major) secured admission to Nottingham Trent University, UK, with a £3,000 scholarship.
Reeva Shah (Class of 2024, Communication Design major, Product Design minor) got through to the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad for a Master’s in Strategic Design Management.
Aishwarya Poojari (Class of 2022, Interaction Design major) is pursuing her Master’s with a specialisation at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
Dhwani Dabhi (Class of 2024, Space Design major, Furniture Design minor) is pursuing her Master’s in Interior Design at CEPT University.
