Shiksha Udyojak Sangam 2026 | Panaji, Goa

Panaji, Goa | February 22, 2026

JD School of Design, powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, was a part of CONVERGE 3.0 – Shiksha Udyojak Sangam, the Academia–Industry Summit, on February 20, 2026, in Panaji, Goa. The summit was organised in collaboration with the Goa State Higher Education Council and the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Impact: Building Goa’s Future-Ready Changemakers”.

CONVERGE 3.0 served as a dynamic platform fostering dialogue between academia and industry, encouraging applied learning, interdisciplinary exchange, and sustainability-driven innovation. The event brought together educators, policymakers, architects, designers, and students to explore collaborative pathways for future-ready education.

The event was graced by Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, who appreciated the creativity, sustainability-driven approach, and forward-thinking design solutions presented by the students. He commended the team’s efforts in nurturing innovation and empowering young changemakers who will make meaningful contributions to Goa’s future.

The summit was graced by Chief Guest Dr Aniruddha Pawar, Principal, Goa College of Architecture, who emphasised the importance of climate-responsive and context-sensitive design education. Guest of Honour Dr Keshav Ramesh Dhuri, Assistant Director, Directorate of Higher Education, highlighted the role of research and digital advancement in strengthening academic ecosystems.

The distinguished leadership panel included Nealesh Dalal, Managing Trustee, JD Educational Trust; Mr Promod Adhikari, Trustee & Chief Mentor, JD Educational Trust; and Mr Babu Rajendra Prasad R, Principal, JD School of Design and JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Panaji.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Nealesh Dalal said, “CONVERGE is not just a summit; it is a commitment to reimagining education as an active dialogue between classrooms and industry. When students engage with real-world thinkers and practitioners, they develop not only skills but also perspective—and that perspective is what shapes future-ready leaders.”

Industry experts further enriched the session. Uvais Subu shared insights on experiential tropical architecture; Truven Jorge spoke on innovation in luxury interiors; Poonam Pandit highlighted craft revival and process-led design; and Varun Ranga discussed regenerative textiles and sustainable fashion practices.

A major highlight of CONVERGE 3.0 was the Young Innovators Challenge, where interior and fashion design students presented sustainability-led creative solutions. The interior design competition, VIVA Carnival, encouraged participants to conceptualise temporary, experiential installations rooted in environmental responsibility. 

VIVA Carnival Winners from BSc. Interior Design 2024 Batch:

Winner: Sarthak Naik
Special Jury Award: Mahi Gautam Patel, Fazia Shaikh, Disha Khartmol, Keziah Marchon, Sanika Mhamal, and Crisha Fernandes 

On February 21, 2026, the event extended to the Carnival Cruise Party aboard the Calma Cruise, where fashion design students showcased avant-garde wearable art collections under the theme “Couture with Conscience”. The fashion show featured structurally sound, carnival-inspired ensembles celebrating colour, movement, storytelling, and sustainable craftsmanship.

Couture with Conscience winners from the BSc Fashion & Apparel Design 2025 batch: Navdeepa Rama Palyekar, Anabelle Aimee Pinto, Tyra Faye Fernandes, Shaloma Fia Pereira, Aadnya Atool Mulgaonkar, and Sreesai Sreenish. 

CONVERGE 3.0 reaffirmed JD School of Design, powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology’s commitment to bridging academia and industry while nurturing innovation, collaboration, and future-ready design leadership.

About JD School of Design

JD School of Design aims to bring world-class education to aspiring students through the exploration of various creative collaborations in the fields of design, media, and art. The school stands out among many others due to its high-quality academic programs, close student-mentor engagement, research and creative programs, project-based learning, AI-enabled design education, state-of-the-art facilities, and affiliation with Goa University.