Multiple Identities

Currently Director of GLS Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Anil Sinha has not turned his back on the practice of design. In fact, his long years in academia have given him a unique perspective and a refreshing approach to his other roles as design practitioner and researcher.

How did your journey in academics begin?

AS: In June 1982, after my post graduation in Applied Arts (Outdoor Publicity) from MS University, I joined NID in Ahmedabad on a contract basis for a period of six months. In 1983, I joined the Faculty Development Program at NID and in 1985 I became a Faculty Member. The journey of my education is still in progress. After the completion of my faculty training I started working with many senior professors as a co-teacher. Simultaneously, I developed my courses on Fundamentals of Design along with working on professional assignments for NID. After two years I started taking independent courses.

What is the biggest thing that teaching has taught you?

AS: The biggest thing that teaching has taught me is to be analytical and not critical and this is something that I have always been practicing. I always give my feedback based on the work done by the student and not based on the student’s ability. I believe that what I teach is only what I practice; it is not the end of learning.

What drew you to design?

AS: During my school days in Patna (Bihar), my hobby was to draw and paint. After school I joined Government College of Arts and Crafts (later rechristened Patna College of Art). While in college, I worked at a block printing press and made greeting cards for sale at different colleges to meet my expenses. After graduation, I moved to Baroda for post graduation in Applied Arts at MS University.