Pune Design Festival 2025 Sparks Conversations on Change

The 19th Pune Design Festival (PDF), themed Mind the World, took place at the Hyatt Regency in Pune on February 28 and March 1, 2025. Organized by the Association of Designers of India (ADI), this year’s festival focused on sustainability, innovation, and the evolving role of design in shaping a responsible future.

The festival featured over 35 speakers, including global leaders and industry experts, who shared insights on emerging design perspectives and next-generation challenges. Notable speakers included Dick Powell, co-founder of Seymourpowell Ltd, and Varun Grover, a renowned lyricist, writer, stand-up comedian, and filmmaker.

Attendees engaged in interactive forums, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions that explored how design can lead to a more sustainable, responsible, and connected future. The "Battle of Projects – Student Design Awards" showcased the creativity and innovation of young designers, with the Center for Design Studies highlighting the event's success on their social media platforms.

The festival also hosted "Visual Noting," an exhibition featuring the works of Prof. Anant Kulkarni, which was inaugurated as part of the event.

With insightful conversations and thought-provoking discussions, the 19th Pune Design Festival successfully reinforced the power of design in creating a more sustainable and connected world.