Prof. Ashoke Chatterjee has been awarded the prestigious Balkrishna Doshi: Guru Ratna Award 2025 for his remarkable and lifelong contributions to design, craft, and education in India.
With a career spanning over five decades, Prof. Chatterjee has seamlessly bridged the corporate, government, education, and development sectors, redefining the role of design in society.
He began his career with The Metal Box Company of India, the International Monetary Fund, and the India Tourism Development Corporation. In 1975, he joined the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, where he served in leadership roles including Executive Director and later as Distinguished Fellow.
His influence also extended to institutions such as the Shristi School of Design (Bengaluru), the Royal College of Art (UK), and Kala Raksha Vidyalaya (Bhuj). He also co-founded the Artisans’ Alliance of Jawaja, a pioneering initiative integrating craft traditions into sustainable community livelihoods.
Prof. Chatterjee’s expertise shaped the work of global organisations such as UNICEF, WaterAid, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and INTACH.
He also played a key role in the international initiative Vision 21: Water for People.His published works, including Dances of the Golden Hall, Rising, and Learning Together at Jawaja, reflect his commitment to participatory design, inclusive development, and community empowerment.