Dr Manika Walia
Dean School of Design & Creative Arts, Vedatya
Doctorate of Philosophy – PhD, Design for Social Innovation, Sushant University, Gurugram, Haryana
Post Graduation – London College of Fashion, University of Arts, UK
Certification in Design thinking and Management, National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Recognition: Mentor of Change through Design, Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog, Government of India.
International Recognition: Honoured by Micol Fontana Couture in Florence, Italy
As an accomplished design leader with over 27 years of experience in institution building, teaching, and applied research, Dr Manika Walia is passionate about bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create design solutions that are both innovative and culturally meaningful. For her design is more than problem-solving—it’s about preserving the emotional and human essence that defines who we are.
As an educator, Dr Manika Walia focuses on nurturing the next generation of designers to think critically, collaborate effectively, and create purposefully. She believes in going beyond the surface, guiding students to explore new perspectives, develop their potential, and become not only successful professionals but also compassionate individuals who care about making a difference.
Dr Walia’s professional journey started as a freelance designer, collaborating with renowned studios in India, the Middle East, and the U.S. A transformative experience at the London College of Fashion led her to reimagine “Design in India,” merging heritage with modernity to contribute to the creative economy.
Today, Dr Walia’s work focuses on system reform through purposeful design. She believes that design can serve as a driving force for cultural exchange, social inclusion, and sustainability, all while fostering economic growth. In the context of the future and the evolving creative economy, Dr Walia sees design as a powerful tool to navigate geopolitical challenges and leverage technology for positive change.
Dr Manika Walia’s efforts have been internationally recognized, including honours from Micol Fontana Couture in Florence and recognition for design thinking expertise in Vietnam.
As a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), she collaborates on nationwide design initiatives that aim to make a positive impact. Her mantra is: “Challenges are an opportunity for creativity and resilience.”
Dr Manika Walia believes in creating a future where design empowers by first transforming oneself and then inspiring those around us.
Smriti Sinha
Design Thinking, 2D/3D illustration
Ms. Smriti Sinha is a versatile textile designer with a strong foundation in design thinking and a passion for cultural preservation. Her industry experience, including roles at Asees by Aakriti and Indus Rugs, has honed her skills in the design process, manufacturing, and product development.
Ms. Sinha’s commitment to cultural preservation is evident in her work with the Kala Swaraj Foundation, where she designed a collection inspired by local weaving techniques. This demonstrates her ability to combine design expertise with social impact.
Her proficiency in design thinking, coupled with her technical skills and creative talent, makes her a valuable asset to any design team. She is adept at empathizing with users, ideating innovative solutions, and effectively communicating her ideas.
Overall, Ms. Sinha’s combination of industry experience, design thinking skills, and dedication to cultural preservation positions her as a talented and versatile textile designer.
Yashika Munjal
Character Design, Storytelling, Design Principles
Yashika Munjal brings a wealth of experience to Vedatya’s School of Design and Creative Arts. She has a diverse background as a foundation facilitator as well as a design researcher with the Crafts Council UK in London, focusing on addressing microaggressions and racism in craft and design. Yashika has also facilitated interdisciplinary design and craft workshops at D-Labs Design and Architecture Catalyst, mentored students, and taught disadvantaged groups in London.
Her curatorial experience includes managing a successful craft and jewelry exhibition in Central London, and she has worked as a studio assistant, helping in the production of commissioned pieces and teaching pottery. As the founder of Studio Yashika Munjal in India, she collaborated with designers and craftsmen on award-winning projects. Her work has been recognized internationally, with several prestigious awards and nominations, including the KOKUYO Design Award and the ELLE Deco International Design Award.
Yashika has exhibited her work in renowned venues such as Goldsmiths, University of London, and Dutch Design Week, and her projects have been featured in prominent design publications. She holds a Master’s in Design from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Bachelor’s in Lifestyle & Accessory Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kangra.
Devendra Dhimmar
Course Director-2D Art & Design
Dev is a renowned Fine Arts and Graphic Design expert with 17 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a diploma in Game Art. Currently the Creative Head at Creeative Bird Ad agency and Fine Art faculty at AID, Dev is known as one of Bangalore’s best Fine Art faculties. Modules: Fine Art, Anatomy Study, Digital Art, Graphic Design. Expertise: Graphic Design (Logo Design). Achievements: Multiple Graphic Awards.
Bhaskar Nagendra
Animation, VFX, Game Art and Design, Rigging
Bhaskar, with 12+ years’ experience in top animation studios and a Master’s degree in visual communication, is a key strength in our gaming courses. He’s worked on modeling and rigging projects, developed curriculum for animation colleges, and served as a jury for 3D Game Art in National India Skills 2019. His strengths include troubleshooting, self-learning, and positivity.
Ahamed
Course Director-VFX
Ahamed is a seasoned professional with 12 years of experience in various roles, such as Compositing Artist, DI Base Colorist, Roto Artist, Still Photographer, Assistant Director, and Graphic Designer. For his work, he has received the Best Compositing Award from Handmade Films for “Dhilluku Duddu” and was named Best Roto Artist for “Kadamban.” With a background in BSc Visual Communication, Ahmed has contributed to several notable films, including “Veeram,” “Biryani,” “Anjaan,” and “Petta.” Beyond film, Ahmed has excelled as the Head of the iCat VFX department and Centre Manager at Arena Velach
Sumit Biswas
Digital Art, Modelling, Texturing, Unreal Engine
Sumit brings over 10 years of extensive experience in game art to AID. Sumit has worked on AAA title projects like Tekken 7, FIFA, NHL, SMACKDOWN, Final Fantasy 7, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 & 3, and many more. Sumit’s expertise includes digital art, digital modeling & texturing, environment art, character modeling, texturing, high poly, and Unreal Engine. He has also received achievements such as being a topper in Bachelor of Fine Arts from Jamia Millia Islamia, exhibiting in a fine art group exhibition at Dr. Zakir Hussain Gallery.
