Mohammed Azharuddin Mujahid, a visionary leader, serves as the Chairman and founder of Lakhotia College of Design, a distinguished institution established in 1990. Together with his wife, Ms Ayesha, he embarked on a mission to create a centre of excellence in design education. His strategic guidance and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping the college's ethos and fostering an environment conducive to creative learning. Under his leadership, Lakhotia College of Design has become a reputable institution, providing students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience in the field of design. Mr. Mujahid has an MSc in interior design from Bharathiar University and a BTech in electronics and telecommunications.

Lakhotia College of Design

What motivated you to choose the path of academia and start Lakhotia College of design?

The motivation behind choosing the path of academia and establishing Lakhotia College of Design with my wife, Ayesha Azhar Lakhotia, was deeply rooted in our shared vision for transforming education in Hyderabad. We recognised a pressing need to diversify the educational landscape and offer viable, job-oriented options beyond the conventional routes of becoming doctors or engineers. We aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in design, providing students with industry-relevant skills and career-oriented opportunities. Our passion for education, belief in the transformative power of design, and commitment to socio-economic development led us to establish the institution.

What is your main emphasis on, in order to make Lakhotia stand out and be excelling in all ways compared to all the other existing design and fashion institutions in the state?

With 35 years of experience in the design education sector, our main emphasis at Lakhotia College of Design has always been on providing a comprehensive and industry-relevant education to our students. What sets us apart from other design and fashion institutions in the state is our unique combination of expertise in both interior design and fashion design, thanks to our professional backgrounds. Lakhotia's emphasis lies in comprehensive and industry-relevant education. Practical, hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, a commitment to innovation, and a personalised approach to education distinguish us. Our faculty's professional backgrounds in both interior and fashion design, along with a proactive approach to staying updated with industry advancements, contribute to our success in preparing students for successful careers

How would you balance the needs of different stakeholders, including faculty, students, parents and etc to ensure the institute's success and positive impact? What is the leadership style you implement in the organization?

Balancing the needs of stakeholders involves open communication, collaboration, and a student-centric approach, which is key for us. We value faculty through regular feedback and professional development, maintain transparent communication with parents, actively engage with industry professionals, and ensure compliance with regulations. Our leadership style combines transformational and participative approaches, promoting collaboration, transparency, and a focus on students' unique needs.

What are the norms or the particular strategies you follow when you're hiring a faculty into the organization?

Our hiring norms prioritise advanced academic qualifications, professional experience, teaching proficiency, research contributions, and a commitment to student success. These criteria ensure that faculty members possess a strong academic foundation, practical expertise, and a dedication to effective teaching, contributing to the institution's academic excellence.

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We are in the times where the dynamics of education, fashion and industries are rapidly changing. How would you ensure that the appropriate required changes are incorporated into the curriculum of the courses offered by the institution?

To keep the curriculum dynamic, we engage continuously with industry professionals, establish advisory boards, and conduct regular reviews. We ensure flexibility and modularity, integrate the latest technologies, promote cross-disciplinary learning, and emphasise ethical and sustainable design principles. These practices enable us to adapt the curriculum to meet evolving industry standards.

How well is Lakhotia focusing on partnering and collaborating with Corporate companies in the design, Fashion and media industries in order leverage internships and placement opportunities for the students?

Lakhotia actively collaborates with corporate companies through established industry relationships. We have the involvement of industry experts, event participation, architectural collaborations, textile and manufacturing ties, proactive industry outreach, diverse industry exposure, and dedicated internship support. This approach ensures students have access to varied internship and placement opportunities aligned with their interests and specialisations.

What do you say are the USP’s or Differentiation factors for Lakhotia, compared to other organization in the city/state?

Lakhotia College of Design stands out as a pioneering institution in the field of design education, thanks to several unique selling propositions (USPs) and differentiation factors that set it apart from other organisations. Lakhotia offers a holistic approach to design education, encompassing a diverse range of specialisations including interior design, fashion design, textiles, visual art communication, and architecture. The presence of the Lakhotia Center for Creative Research and Innovation (CCRI) Hub is a distinctive feature, dedicated to cutting-edge research and innovation across various design disciplines. With a dedicated research center, Lakhotia emphasizes research activities, fostering creativity, and driving innovation in design, fashion, textiles, visual art communication, interior design, and architecture. All faculty members at Lakhotia possess a minimum of a master's degree and many hold Ph.D. qualifications. This ensures that students are guided by educators with in-depth knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. We place a strong emphasis on practical learning through hands-on projects, workshops, and industry internships, preparing students for real-world scenarios. We actively partner with corporate companies, ensuring ample internship and placement opportunities for students.

What is your vision for the future as a Chairman of Lakhotia University, in terms of enhancing the higher education offerings and improving the quality of the institution?

The vision for Lakhotia University includes building a global academic network, expanding multidisciplinary excellence, establishing cutting-edge research and innovation through the CCRI Hub, implementing innovative teaching methodologies, deepening industry integration, promoting entrepreneurship and startup incubation, engaging in cultural diplomacy and global outreach, integrating sustainability and ethical design principles, embracing digital transformation, and fostering community engagement and societal impact. The goal is to position Lakhotia University as a global leader in design education, with a focus on excellence, creativity, and cultural exchange.