Delhi : The World University of Design (WUD), India’s first university dedicated exclusively to education in the creative disciplines, today conferred undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees upon the graduating Class of 2025 at its Fifth Convocation held at its campus in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat.
The Convocation was graced by renowned designer, entrepreneur and creative leader Ms. Raseel Gujral Ansal as the Chief Guest in the presence of members of the University’s Board of Management, Academic Council, Advisory Board, faculty, parents and distinguished guests.
The Convocation marked an important milestone in the University’s academic journey with the award of seven doctoral degrees, including three scholars who completed their doctoral research under WUD’s own doctoral programme. The achievement reflects the growing maturity of research in design and the creative disciplines as an area that is only beginning to receive the academic attention it deserves in India.
Delivering the University’s Academic Report, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, observed that the creative professions are undergoing one of the most profound transformations in their history. He said “India is entering a decade in which creativity will become one of its greatest economic and cultural strengths. Designers, artists, architects, performers and creative technologists will play an increasingly important role in shaping industries, public services and everyday life. Our endeavour at WUD is to prepare graduates who are not only professionally accomplished but also capable of leading this transformation with imagination, responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Highlighting the University’s academic evolution, Prof. Gupta noted that WUD has consciously positioned itself at the intersection of creativity, technology, business and research. Long before AI became a mainstream conversation, the University had begun integrating AI into its teaching-learning processes, enabling students to use emerging technologies as creative collaborators while strengthening uniquely human capabilities such as critical thinking, originality, empathy and judgement.
Addressing the graduating students, Chief Guest Ms. Raseel Gujral Ansal encouraged them to embrace change with confidence, remain rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, and develop their own authentic creative voice in a world increasingly shaped by technology. She observed that while Artificial Intelligence may transform the way creative work is executed, imagination, originality, empathy and human judgement will remain the defining qualities of successful creative professionals.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that WUD’s multidisciplinary philosophy continues to distinguish it within Indian higher education. Students from Architecture, Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, Communication, Animation & Game Design, Performing Arts, Creative Business and emerging technology programmes routinely collaborate on projects that mirror the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the global creative economy.
He also highlighted the University’s growing research ecosystem, international collaborations and strong industry engagement. Faculty and students participated in collaborative projects with leading institutions and organisations in India and abroad, while students gained valuable experience through live industry assignments, internships, exhibitions, performances, competitions and community-based initiatives.
The Convocation celebrated the achievements of graduates across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. Two hundred & forty degrees were awarded, including the undergraduate, postgraduate, and 7 doctoral degrees. The University also honoured outstanding students with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, 7 Gold Medals, 7 Silver Medals, and other academic distinctions in recognition of excellence in scholarship, innovation and creative practice.
Established in 2016, the World University of Design has emerged as one of India’s leading institutions for creative education. Bringing together design, architecture, fashion, visual arts, communication, performing arts, management and emerging technologies within a multidisciplinary academic ecosystem, the University has consistently championed innovation in pedagogy, industry engagement, research, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. Through its emphasis on design-led thinking, creative technology and socially responsible innovation, WUD continues to contribute to the growth of India’s rapidly expanding creative economy while preparing graduates to lead the professions of tomorrow.