The inner child’s lasting impact
On June 25th, 1975, I found myself filled with wonder among approximately thirty-five 16-year-old high school graduates gathered within the enchanting environment of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, India. As new students embarking on our foundation year in Design, we were awestruck by the campus’s open architecture, lush greenery, and a monument from centuries past that reminds us of India’s ancient heritage. These elements welcomed us into a 50-year journey fueled by curiosity.
As Dean Leela Shah and Professor Mohan Bhandari addressed us, Professor Bhandari shared wise words that still resonate with me today: “You will spend the next whole year unlearning whatever you have learned in school and relearn your childlike freshness.”
My class of 1975 still cherishes those words. Reflecting on the past 50 years in design, one thing has remained a constant source of strength – curiosity. Design education has continually nurtured, healed, and revived my inner child throughout these five decades. Amidst the trials and tribulations of personal and professional life, my inner child has been a rock-solid foundation, and I am grateful to my family for surrounding me with love, making it even easier to foster this childlike essence.
Next week, I will reunite with some of my classmates in Mumbai. We will reminisce about our shared past and attentively listen to each other’s unique journeys of curiosity. A notable aspect of our friendship is that we do not focus on our individual achievements; instead, we share stories of the remarkable experiences we have had. Above all, we celebrate curiosity and openness.
The half-century milestone signifies a pivotal point in our lives. While we have lost some classmates over the years, our bonds remain strong. Although we are beginning to show signs of aging, our conversations remain playful and respectful, even when discussing contentious political topics.
This fiftieth year in design has been transformative for me. As I work on completing my next book, which my editor refers to as an independent biography of my curiosity and imagination, I am also dissolving my 25-year-old design research business. This transition paves the way for the next phase of my life, focused on reclaiming my humanity and childlike freshness, which may have diminished amid the demands of shaping a career.
In this new journey, I will draw upon three innate human capacities – curiosity, compassion, and imagination – to foster a spirit of caring and sharing. I eagerly anticipate visiting Professor Bhandari during my time in Mumbai, as I seek to rekindle my enthusiasm for seeing the world through the eyes of my inner child.
