Kerala design policy in works: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 17 (KNN) With the aim to make the state a global hub in the creative field, the Kerala government has decided to draft a design policy, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Kochi Design Week (KDW), Vijayan said that Government is conducting a wide array of discussions with experts to locate the areas that require focal attention to promote design by capitalising on the region’s strong startup ecosystem and traditionally vibrant culture to augment economic development.

“We are looking for solutions to problems that are checking the prospects of new designs. We are aware of the social impact it has on the growth of the economy,” he said.

The two-day Kochi Design Week aims to provide first-hand knowledge about international-level models and trends in design.

The event is being organised in partnership with national and international industry bodies such as World Design Organisation, World Design Council and IIID (Indian Institute of Interior Designers).

As per reports, the ideas that will emerge at the third edition of KDW will  serve as the basis of the proposed Design Policy.

Co-founder S.D. Shibulal, and World Design Organisation member Pradyumna Vyas. KSUM Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika, Asset Homes Managing Director Sunil V were amongst those preset at inaugural ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Industry Minister P.Rajeeve said the State was aiming to shortly launch ‘Made in Kerala’ as a brand, bringing under it products such as coconut oil, cashew-nut and coir.

“This will hit the market only after strict quality inspection,” he revealed, adding that the government will use an e-commerce platform to implement the idea.

Also, the State will go for innovative designs in its famed handloom and handicrafts, collaborating with National Institute of Fashion Technology and Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala, the Minister said underscoring the vitality of design in the progress of industry.

During the event, World Design Council (WDC) Chair Paula Gazzard handed over the council’s expression of interest to the Chief Minister, with the aim of boosting ‘design thought’ in the State.

KDW-3 is holding a design fair (products made of cloth, wood and leather) and entertainment programmes.

Over 25,000 delegates, comprising design professionals, architects, interior designers, thought leaders, policymakers, government officials and general public are participating in the event.  (KNN Bureau)