The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), in collaboration with XLRI Delhi-NCR, showcased an early example of Indian automotive design at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 being held from Jan 17-22 in New Delhi. INDEA championed ‘Design in India’ by showing one of the first Indian design initiatives in the automotive space from the late-1970s – a testament to the can-do spirit of automotive start-ups in the country.
The booth, inaugurated by Mr. I.V. Rao, an esteemed automotive industry veteran and mentor to INDEA, and Mr. Adil Jal Darukhanawala, a pioneer in Indian automotive journalism & Founder & Director of #AdilsAutoZone, served as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and design inspiration.The booth showcased the Sipani Badal, a pioneering three-wheeled car from the late-1970s. The Badal, with its innovative-for-its-time fiberglass body and unique, individualistic design, represented a bold step in Indian automotive design when it was first unveiled almost five decades ago. Today, it serves as a reminder of the country’s long history of innovation and ingenuity, while highlighting INDEA’s mission to drive innovation and shape the future of mobility.
Visitors at the exhibition also had an opportunity to explore their creativity via the Wacom tablet. Using intuitive software, attendees explored their artistic potential by creating unique designs, which they could print and take home as personalized mementos.
Reflecting on the event, Fr. Dr. K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, said, “INDEA’s participation at the Expo highlighted our commitment to nurturing designers who not only innovate but also address the broader societal and environmental challenges of the future. INDEA, with its focus on design excellence, will prepare the students for the future of work. By nurturing creativity and fostering innovation, we are opening new avenues for education and equipping our graduates with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about INDEA’s unique approach to automotive design education, which blends creative intuition with practical industry knowledge and global perspectives. By engaging with manufacturers, policymakers, and design experts, INDEA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ vision and its role in bridging the talent gap in the automotive sector.
Mr. Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XLRI Centre of Automobile Design & Management (XADM) and Founder of INDEA, added, “The Expo is more than an opportunity to showcase INDEA—it is about inspiring creativity and innovation. The exhibition showcases the remarkable synergy between tradition and innovation, as exemplified by the Sipani Badal and the cutting-edge designs on display. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of the Indian spirit and a testament to the future of Indian automotive design.”
The Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 provides a valuable platform for XLRI Delhi-NCR and INDEA to showcase the school to a global audience. The event underscores the growing importance of design in the Indian automotive industry and highlights the exciting future that lies ahead for this dynamic sector.
