Dr Ritesh Ranjan
Editor-in-Chief
Chitrolekha Journal on Art and Design
Head of School, Jagran School of Design, Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, India.
Accomplished academic leader specializing in art and design education, with a strong focus on academic administration, institution rankings and research.
Career Summary – A dedicated professional with a demonstrated history in curriculum enhancement, academic administration, faculty mentorship, and elevating student engagement within higher education. Skilled in fostering an innovative learning environment and recognized for integrating both traditional and contemporary pedagogical methodologies to promote academic excellence.
Skills
- Leadership & Management, Program Oversight, Faculty Development, Student Engagement
- Curriculum Development, Curriculum Enhancement, Educational Best Practices
- Art / Design History, Design Management, Art Curation, Exhibition Design, Experience Design, Human Centered Design
- University / Institutional Rankings, Accreditations, Outreach & Branding
- Research Supervision, Publication, Writing
- Curation of Colloquiums, Seminars, Camps, Festivals & Exhibitions.
Languages Known – English, Hindi
Professional Experience
Head of School (HoS), Jagran School of Design, Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, M.P.
- Managing the Bachelor of Design and Master of Design programs in four specializations, alongside the Foundation and PhD in Design programs.
- Directing curricular improvements to meet contemporary industry standards and educational excellence.
- Guiding a diverse faculty team, nurturing ongoing professional growth and driving academic innovation.
- Initiated programs to enhance student engagement, support academic success, and boost overall student satisfaction.
- Initiated industry outreach programs, community engagement and practice-based learnings to enhance the visibility of the school.
Previous Positions:
- Professor & Head of Department, University Institute of Design, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab
- Founding Faculty & Academic/Faculty Coordinator, School of Creativity, Rishihood University, Sonipat, Haryana
- University IQAC Member, Research, Library, NEP Coordinator – Rishihood University, Sonipat, Haryana
- Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator (COD) – Founding Faculty Member, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Punjab
- NAAC & IQAC Coordinator, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Punjab
- Assistant Professor and Training & Placement Coordinator, Department of Fine Arts & School of Fashion Design, Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Senior Gallery Manager, Art Centrix Space, New Delhi
- Curator, NIV Art Centre, Delhi
- Gallery Manager, Gallery Latitude 28, New Delhi
- Research Assistant, Centre for Culture, Media & Governance, J.M.I., Delhi
Education
- PhD, Faculty of Design, Panjab University, Chandigarh
- D.Litt. – Design Studies- (honoris causa), Hessen International University, Germany
- M.F.A. in Art History and Art Appreciation, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (First Class First with Faculty Gold Medal)
- B.F.A., MGKVP, Varanasi (First Class First)
- Certificate in International Law and Human Rights, Sangam University, Rajasthan
- UGC NET & JRF
Certifications:
- Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification (Accredited), Transformation Society
- Art Management & Exhibition Design, Ziegler Academy, Munich, Germany
- Embracing Change, Harappa Foundation
- Career Coaching Certification, Career Development Coaching, Holistic Coach Academy, UK
- Introduction to Digital Journalism, Reuters
- Effective Leadership Certification, HP Life, HP Foundation
- Social Media Marketing, HP Life, HP Foundation
Awards & Recognitions (Selected)
- Faculty Gold Medal
Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi - Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
UGC, MHRD, Government of India - International Humanitarian Excellence Award
I CAN Foundation, India - Bharat Mata Abhinandan Samman
Bharat Mata Abhinandan Sangathan, India - Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam National Award 2021
International Internship University, India - Ravindra Ratna Award
2024 - Global Honorary Professor
IIU, India - Keynote Speaker
Cultural Coincidences, Inter-school Colloquium, Birla Public School, Pilani - Keynote Speaker
Design Residency, Vedatya Institute, Gurgaon - Item Writer for CUET
NTA, 2023 - Resource Person for Guest Lecture
Amity University, Gurugram, NIFT Bhopal, Panjab University Chandigarh, NID Kurukshetra - Reviewer for the Cumulus Monterrey 2024 Conference – Design Across Borders: United in Creativity, Monterrey, Mexico.
- Judge – QS Reimagine Education Awards – 2023, 2024
Publications
| Type | Title | Details | ISBN/ISSN |
| Book | Visual Arts: A Conscious History (Authored) | Book Leaf Publication, India & USA | ISBN: 1393071098 |
| Recent Trends in Art and Design in India (Co-edited) | Book Leaf Publication, India & USA | ISBN: 8195009956 | |
| Contemporary Indian Art between Local & Global (Authored) | Notion Press Publication | ISBN: 9781685092672 | |
| Folk and Minor Art Traditions of India (Co-edited) | Bharti Publication, Varanasi | ISBN: 9789391297190 | |
| Book Chapter | The Evolution of Art Market in India: A Critical Analysis | Proceedings of NCVA – 2020, Excellent Publishing House, India | ISBN: 978-81-949292-6-0 |
| The Politics of Identity and Question of Philosophy | Recent Trends in Art and Design in India, Book Leaf Publication, India & USA | ISBN: 8195009956 | |
| Social Media Influencers and Celebrity Culture: A Brief Introduction | New Media Landscape and Dimensions: An Indian Perspective, Adamas University Press | ISBN: 978-81-963402-1-6 | |
| Research Papers | Classicism in Indian Sculptures | Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (UGC approved), Volume 6, Issue 1, January 2019 (page No- 218-223) | ISSN: 2349-5162 |
| Body in Performance | Global Journal for Performance Research (UGC Approved), Volume 8, Issue 2, February 2019 (page No- 113-119) | ISBN: 2277-8160 | |
| A Critical Analysis of Pop Art Movement & its Artistic Legacy | International Journal of Creative and Innovative Research in All Streams (UGC Approved), Volume 1, Issue 10, April 2019 (page No- 203-215) | ISSN: 2581-5334 | |
| Queer Theory: A Critical Analysis of its Implication in Art Historical Readings | International Journal of Creative and Innovative Research in All Streams (UGC Approved) (Page No- 90-91) | ISSN: 2581-5334 | |
| Gayoor Hasan: A Critical Analysis of His Art Works | Paper presentation at Art History Congress, Punjabi University, Patiala, 2019 | Conference Proceeding | |
| Bhand Pather: Traditional Folk Theatre of Kashmir | Paper presentation at Paramahansa Yogananda International Conference at HPU, Shimla, 2019 | Conference Proceeding | |
| Iconography & Iconology: An Analytical Study of Panofsky Writings & Importance in Art Historical Readings | Purakala (UGC CARE Journal), Volume 31, Issue 9, April 2020 | ISSN: 0971-2143 | |
| Folk Art & Nationalism in 20th Century India | International Journal of Mechanical and Production Engineering Research and Development (Scopus Indexed), Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2020 | ISSN: 2249-6890 | |
| The Impact of Urbanization on Folk Art Community: A Case Study of Kalighat Painters | Ajanta, Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2021 | ISSN: 2277-5730 | |
| Understanding Metalanguage in the Study of Aesthetics | ECS Transactions (Scopus Indexed), Volume 107, April 2022 | – | |
| Recent Developments in Environmental Art of India: A Study | Research paper accepted for the 30th session of India Art History Congress | Conference Proceeding | |
| Papier Mache Art of Kashmir: Challenges and Possibilities | Research paper presented at International Conference ‘Exploring New Frontiers and Methods in Arts’, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, June 25, 2022 | Conference Proceeding | |
| Research Paper Accepted for Presentation and Publication | Atlas International Design Conference, 2023, Organized by Atlas University, Mumbai | Conference Proceeding | |
| Emerging Technology and Pedagogical Application in Design Education | International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education: VISIONARIUM, Lindenwood University, USA, July 2023 | ||
| Creative Practices as Resistance and Response to Crises, Conflicts, and Violence: A Case Study of Kashmir | Research paper accepted for presentation at 19th IUAES-WAU World Anthropology Congress 2023, University of Delhi, October | Conference Proceeding |
Teaching & Research Engagements:
- Courses Taught:
- Art History, Aesthetics, Design History, Conceptual Art, Art Curation, Indian Folk & Minor Art, Art/Design Appreciation, Design Management, Design Research Methodologies, etc. at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Domain Specific Coursework, AI & Design, Design Research Methodologies for PhD Program.
- Research Supervision:
Supervised Master’s students’ dissertations and research projects in art history, design, and related fields. - Supervising 02 PhD candidates at Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal and o1 as a co- supervisor at Amity University, Gurugram
- Guest Lectures & Workshops:
Delivered lectures on Psychoanalysis, Art Therapy, Design Thinking and Art Management across various institutions, including Chitkara University, Panjab University, Amity University & Rishihood University. - Faculty Development Programs (FDPs):
Participated and coordinated numerous FDPs on topics such as Creative Arts, Design Research, Design thinking, Research Methodology, and Research Paper Writing.
Professional Memberships
- Mentor
Association of Designers of India (ADI), New Delhi Chapter - General Secretory
Association of Designers of India (ADI), Indore Chapter – 2024 - QS Reimagine Education Awards Judge – 2023 & 2024
- Editor – Design Section, Chitrolekha Journal on Art & Design
- Associate Member
International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS) - Member– ESACH (European Students’ Association of Cultural Heritage)
- Member
Education Research and Development Association (ERDA) - Advisor– uLeKtz, Higher Education Advisory organization for Accreditation & Rankings
- Editorial Board Member– AJPO, IJRAD, ABCD Indexing & Edwin Group of Journal
- Advisory Board Member
Impact Journals, USA
Curatorial Experience (Selected)
-
- 2012, Curated Beyond the White cube, exhibition of 6 young artists at M. F. Husain Art Gallery, N. Delhi.
- 2014, Curated, Indoor Affairs, Affordable art fair at NIV Art Centre, N. Delhi.
- 2014, Curated STONE IRON BRONZE a solo show by Akash Seth at Lalit Kala Akademi, N. Delhi.
- 2014- 15, Designed, Organized and coordinated various events at NIV Art Centre, like Photowalk and photography workshops, Cinemarathon, filmmaking workshop, film screenings and presentations, Theatre programs, Exhibition, presentations, etc.
- 2014, Co– Curated, TO BE CONTINUED an art project at NIV Art Centre.
- 2015 – Co – ordinate EAST – WEST, Contemporary Art Festival by Artists from 6 Countries (India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France and Afghanistan) at Alliance Françoise de Delhi, Japan Foundation Delhi, Korean Cultural Centre, Delhi and NIV Art Centre, Delhi.
- 2015 – Curated SUMMER SPRING at NIV Art Gallery
- 2015 – Curated WE HAVE SOME STARDUST at NIV Art Gallery Delhi and Kala Srot, Lucknow.
- 2016 – Co-ordinated various art exhibitions, art talks and curatorial walks at Art Centrix Space, New Delhi; Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi and The Japan Foundation, New Delhi.
- 2017 –18- Conceptualized and Curated Various art programs for CAP including graffiti, performances and site – specific Installations.
- 2018- Curated I in Togetherness at Experimenter Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, N. Delhi
- 2019- Coordinated CHITRAM 2019, National Art Festival at Chitkara University, Punjab
- 2019-Curated Wall Painting Workshop at Student Centre, Panjab University
- 2019 – Curated 10 days International Artist Residency & Exhibition at NIV Art Cenre, New Delhi (Curation & Mentoring)
- 2020- Conceptualized and Curated, THE WALLS WE CARRYWITHIN, 5 Days Virtual Residency (57 Artists from all over the world have participated)
- 2020- Coordinated International Creative Art Competition, organized by Dept. of Fine Arts, Chitkara University, Punjab
- 2020- Coordinated MASK – 0- PHILIA, International Creative Art Competition, organized by Dept. of Fine Arts, Chitkara University, Punjab
- 2020- Coordinated more than 10 Webinars with Art Historians and Professional Artists for Dept. of Fine Arts, Chitkara University, Punjab
- 2020- Co-Curated & Moderated ARTALK organized by CAP, India &BILSEMART, Turkey
- 2020- Co-Curated International Art Competition and Exhibition organized by CAP& BILSEMART, Turkey
- 2020 – Coordinated Artist talk at National Art Camp ‘Varnika’ at The Gateway Resort, Gurugram
- 2021 – Curated various art talks and seminars for Department of Fine Arts, CDS, Chitkara University, Punjab
- 2022 – Coordinated guest lecture by Prof. Pradosh Mishra, Organized by School of Creativity & Library Resource Centre, Rishihood University
- 2023 – Coordinated ICAADCE, International Conference organized by School of Creativity, Rishihood University, Sonipat, India
- Art Connect – 2, Alliance Francoise, Chandigarh – 2024
- Bhopal Design Festival – 2024, JLU, Bhopal
Professional Writings
Rastriya Kala Utsav, 2013, Jaipur – Catalogue Essay, published by Pryash Kala Manch, Jaipur
Stone – Iron – Bronze, 2014, Catalogue Essay, published by Aakash Seth for his solo show Write up about the current works by Ajay Sharma for Neilshon Gallery, Spain, http://neilsongallery.com/India_2014/ajay.html
Contemporary Indian Art between Local and Global www.academia.uk, an online journal of academic/research articles.
Tracing the development of private art galleries in Delhi- www.acadmia.uk, online Journal of academic/research articles.
More than 30 Articles / Catalogue Essays, Artist Pro\iles for NIV Art Centre.
- More than 100 proposals, profile essays and concept notes for artists.
- Catalogue text/artists’ profiles for I in Togetherness at Experimenter Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, N. Delhi
- Catalogue text/artists’ profiles for CHITRAM 2019, National Art Festival at Chitkara University, Punjab
- Catalogue text/artists’ profiles for Prof. Ranjan Mallik’s solo show organized by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademy.
- Catalogue text/artists’ profiles for 10 days International Artist Residency & Exhibition at NIV Art Cenre, New Delhi
- Book Text (About the Book) for ‘Birds in & Around’ Photo book by Brig. (Dr.) P S Siwach, Pro- Vice Chancellor (Admin), Chitkara University, Punjab
- Book Text (About the Book) for ‘Blossom’ Photo book by Brig. (Dr.) P S Siwach, Pro- Vice Chancellor (Admin), Chitkara university, Punjab
Participations in Seminars, Exhibitions, and Workshops: (Selected)-
- The Wooden toy making tradition of Varanasi; Research paper presentation at MGKVP, Varanasi, 2010
- Body in Performance –Research paper presentation at National Conference on Contemporary art & Design organized by SJFCA & SFD, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, 2018
- Relocating the art traditions of Uttar Pradesh, Workshop on Art Research and Methodology, Varanasi, 2015
- 3-day Workshop on Research Methodology by School of Professional Enhancement, LPU- 2018
- FDP programs on Creative Writing, Photography, Photo- Manipulation, Water Colour, Metal Casting, Serigraphy, Woodcut and Collage making at LPU-2017-18
- National Painting Workshop EK ONKAR organized by Panjab University- 2018
- Participated in International Print Exchange Exhibition organized by ICA, Mumbai- 2018
- National Painting Workshop in Rose Festival, PU, Chandigarh- 2019
- Selected in INDIA ART FAIR- 2018
- Participated as a Guest Artist in Morni Hills Performance Art Biennial –2018-19
- Delivered a talk on the subject of Role of Artists in Contemporary society at Pragati Kala Kendra, Jalandhar- 2019
- The Question of Diaspora in Contemporary Asian Art – Research paper presentation at National Seminar on Contemporary art & Design organized by CSA&D, Chitkara University Punjab – April 2019
- Idea to object realization of concepts in physical world – Coordinated a 5 days FDPon Contemporary art & Design organized by Ms. Inga Bermaka Appiah at CSA&D, Chitkara University Punjab – May, 2019
- Idea to object realization of concepts in physical world – Research paper presentation at International Conference on Contemporary art & Design organized by CSA&D, Chitkara University Punjab – 2019.
- National Painting workshop CHITRAM 2019 organized by CSA&D, Punjab, 2019
- Gayoor Hasan: A critical Analysis, Paper Presentation at India Art History Congress, Punjabi University, Patiala- 2019
- Bhand Pather: Traditional Folk Theatre of Kashmir paper presentation at Pramhansha Yogananda International Conference at HPU, Shimla- 2019
- The Art and Politics of Ecological Consciousness in India Research Paper presentation at National Seminar organized by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre, Panjab University & Punjab Pollution Control Board, 2020
- Participated in Webinar Fine Arts: Scopes & Challenges organized by MGKVP, Varanasi, 2020
- Participated in 5 days Painting Workshop and Exhibition organized by Chitkara University on the occasion of World Art Day 2020
- Participated in Webinar Visual Arts: Skills, Communication & Management organized by MGKVP, Varanasi, 2020
- Participated in Webinar Art Awareness and Artificial Intelligence beyond the Pandemic Crisis organized by Uttarakhand Art Club, 2020
- Participated in Webinar the Legacy of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar organized by Ministry of Culture, GOI, 2020
- Participated in 3 days International Conference – ICRC 2K20 organized by MM University & Indian Institute of Architects
- Participated in 2 days National Webinar organized by Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar
- Participated in 2 days National Webinar organized by Iscon Youth Forum, Raipur
- Paper presentation at National Conference of Visual Arts organized by Amity University, Noida
- Participated in W –Loc, World’s largest creativity event (Listed in Guianese Book of World Record)
- Participated in National Art Camp ‘Varnika’ at the Taj Gateway Resort, Gurugram
- Participated in National Art Camp ‘Jumbish’ at Kashauli, HP
- Research Paper presentation at CUDC organized by Chitkara University, Punjab
- Research Paper presentation at ICAADCE organized by Rishihood University, Sonipat, India
- Moderated 3 Webinars Organised by the Department of Fine Arts, UID, Chandigarh University, Punjab