The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), in partnership with XLRI Delhi-NCR, displayed a vintage Indian-designed car at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, promoting Indian design and innovation in the automotive sector. The showcased vehicle, a Sipani Badal three-wheeler from the late 1970s, served as a symbol of India's automotive heritage and INDEA's commitment to shaping the future of mobility. Attendees interacted with design technology and learned about INDEA's automotive design education approach. The event reinforced INDEA's dedication to cultivating design talent in India for a global market.

INDEA at Bharat Mobility

INDEA's exhibit at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 celebrated a piece of Indian automotive history – the Sipani Badal. This three-wheeled car, with its unique fiberglass body and distinctive design, represented an early example of Indian automotive ingenuity. The display served as a reminder of India's capacity for innovation, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision for India as a global innovation hub.

The booth was inaugurated by I.V. Rao, a respected automotive industry veteran and INDEA mentor, and Adil Jal Darukhanawala, a prominent figure in Indian automotive journalism and founder of #AdilsAutoZone. This inauguration highlighted the importance of experience and mentorship in fostering design talent within India.

The Sipani Badal, showcased at the booth, is a significant symbol of early Indian automotive design. Developed in the late 1970s, it featured an innovative fiberglass body, a unique design for its time. This car embodies the spirit of early automotive startups in India, showcasing their ambition and innovative thinking.

The Expo provided a platform for visitors to engage with the history of Indian automotive design and explore their own creativity. Using Wacom tablets and intuitive software, attendees could create and print personalized designs. This interactive element added a practical and engaging dimension to the exhibition, allowing visitors to connect with the design process.

“INDEA’s participation at the Expo highlighted our commitment to nurturing designers who not only innovate but also address the broader societal and environmental challenges of the future. INDEA, with its focus on design excellence, will prepare the students for the future of work. By nurturing creativity and fostering innovation, we are opening new avenues for education and equipping our graduates with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” stated Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR

INDEA on automotive designing

INDEA’s approach to automotive design education blends creative thinking with industry expertise and a global outlook. Visitors to the booth learned about this unique approach, which prepares students for the complex demands of the automotive sector. INDEA’s engagement with manufacturers, policymakers, and design professionals reinforces its commitment to bridging the talent gap in the industry.

“The Expo is more than an opportunity to showcase INDEA—it is about inspiring creativity and innovation. The exhibition showcases the remarkable synergy between tradition and innovation, as exemplified by the Sipani Badal and the cutting-edge designs on display. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the Indian spirit and a testament to the future of Indian automotive design,” mentioned Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XLRI Centre of Automobile Design & Management (XADM) and INDEA founder.

The Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 provided crucial visibility for XLRI Delhi-NCR and INDEA, emphasizing the increasing significance of design within the Indian automotive industry. The event showcased the potential and exciting prospects of this dynamic sector, positioning India as a future hub for automotive design and innovation. The Expo serves as a platform to connect with a global audience, further strengthening India's position in the international automotive design landscape. It underlines the importance of design in the Indian automotive industry, highlighting the bright future ahead for this rapidly evolving sector.