Mr. Bauri Raula, Dean of KIIT School of Fashion Technology, is professionally qualified in M.Design from NIFT Delhi and holds an MBA (IB) from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. He has more than ten years of experience in academia since 2010 and 16 years of industry work experience in design and development, merchandising, international marketing, and business development. He has a portfolio of textile and costume accessories in apparel and textile manufacturing, and export organisations located in Delhi, Panipat and Noida.

Prof Raula has been closely associated with the team of Creative and Merchandising heads at popular brands like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Next, Zara, Walmart, KMart, Woolworths, Limited Edition, Macy, Bloomingdales and Sears, among others. Prof. Raula regularly travels for participation at international textile and garment fairs held in HeimTextile in Frankfurt, Prêt Porter, Tex-World in Paris, Domotex in Hannover, TIPS in Brussels, BSM in Tokyo & Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Thailand, etc. He has conducted many creative workshops on home linen for luxury sleeping and fashion accessories for fashion lovers and luxury stylization seekers. Additionally, he is an active member of various committees at KIIT University.

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What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

Constant learning and having to up-skill for the current trends motivate me. Moreover, teaching and research are my passions. Since finishing my PhD, I’ve been associated with the education sector. As an educator, I don’t just teach students, I also have to keep upskilling and learn the current trends that encourage me to keep teaching.


Being the Dean of the Institute what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy is based on the premise that a successful school encompasses a top-down approach. Therefore, the administrative team must be highly effective, results-oriented, open, and collaborative. My leadership style is very adaptable and hands-on. Since all issues require different tactics and solutions, I analyse the situation and employ whichever means will suit it best. Furthermore, as a hands-on leader, I have no problem getting my hands dirty. One of my greatest strengths as an educational leader is my forward-thinking ability. I like to keep my school at the forefront of education and innovation. By staying on top of the changing world of technology, I can identify, source, and integrate effective technology to optimise the learning experience. My leadership style has been honed by years of service as a teacher and administrator.


Being the Dean, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your institute?

As a leader, I help my team be innovative and creative by creating an environment that encourages risk-taking, experimentation and open communication. I emphasize values like curiosity, empowerment, and psychological safety among the students. By doing so, they have the motivation to share unique ideas and collaborate. Education marketing will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the moment and increase the reach of students, teachers, and families who are looking for digital learning solutions. Our marketing efforts focus on the skill sets that are required by the industry.


How does the curriculum of the Institute ensure the best practice of industry?

KOSFT revises its curriculum with the help of the board of studies members, along with taking feedback from industry experts, academic experts, students, alumni and other stakeholders. This makes our design programs understand the best practices in the industry along with students’ needs. There are also industry interactions and visits, internships and graduation projects that are done every seven months for the benefit of the students.

Check KIIT School of Fashion Technology Faculty


Any insights into how the Institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

KIIT University has over 35,000 students taking admission each year from different economic backgrounds. KSOFT students organise and participate in different outreach programs at various institutional and public events on domestic and national platforms to raise awareness about design education among aspiring students and parents. They are also encouraged to participate in various national and international seminars, webinars and conferences organised by the KIIT School of Fashion Technology (KSOFT) at different times throughout the year, which creates awareness for our programs.


What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institute and the students are?

As the Academic Dean, I ensure the best quality education is imparted to our students and we have the best infrastructure. To complement this, we have a well-trained faculty team and academic extension activities with industry experts through webinars, seminars and workshops. KSOFT invites senior professionals and experts from various domains and knowledge streams to conduct workshops relevant to industry needs and demands for students and faculty. For the current year, we have proposed to introduce a master’s programme in Design and Fashion Management and a PGD in Fashion Retail Management of two years and a one-year duration that will put us on par with nationally reputed design institutes.


What do you think should be the Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

We have a ten-year action plan regarding industry and academic collaborations. This plan also includes plans for research project funding, research paper publication, patent copyrights, social welfare outreach activities, and quality teaching-learning education to bring to KSOFT. Our goal is to become one of the best and top-rated design institutes in India with UG, PG and PhD courses in relevant domains.


Since the establishment of KIIT School of Fashion what was your vision for the Institute? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision?

KSOFT was established with the vision of becoming one of the top 20 design schools in India within the next couple of decades. KSOFT is progressing swiftly to meet the goal with its modern and state-of-the-art infrastructure, well-equipped labs and equipment, machines, and design studio. We will also have MoUs with industry and academic institutions to offer our students higher study options with scholarships to foreign design institutes. We will also provide the students with all kinds of national and international exposure.

Check KIIT School of Fashion Technology Gallery


What would you like people to know about your Institute they may not know?

The USP of KSOFT is the seven-month-long industry interaction session where students attend craft research, summer internships and graduation projects. They can gain interdisciplinary knowledge, attend cultural activities and participate in various societies at KIIT University that have been designed to discover student’s hidden passions. We also offer industry exposure to KSOFT students through internships, and placements with national and international fashion and retail brands and encourage entrepreneurial development through the KIIT TBI Centre.


What do you see as the Institute's greatest strengths?

The greatest strength of KSOFT is its best quality practices in offering students trendy knowledge and mentorships. Our students also get to participate in higher studies at foreign design institutes. The institute encourages its students to prepare for international design and beauty contests every year. Two of our students have been crowned International Miss Teenage in 2022, 2023 and 2024. KSOFT conducts expert lectures, seminars, and workshops for students’ design knowledge and skill enhancement.


Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

The youth of today are becoming more aware of what is required of them by the industry in terms of skills. The Z, Y and millennium generations are quick to adapt to the new technology. We need to encourage this among students in a healthy way to identify the needs and requirements of the industry and adopt global changing education processes.


What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for KIIT School of Fashion international affairs and/or students?

KSOFT students get numerous opportunities to study for their master’s degree from international universities and institutes. Some such institutes are the NABA Academy Design and Art Italy, Marangoni Fashion Institute Milano, IFA Paris, Polimoda Fashion School Florence, Italy, and Parson Design School New York, U.S.A. KIIT University is very aggressive in collaborating and creating MoUs with global, top-ranked design institutes to benefit KOSFT students. They can progress to higher studies with scholarships and simultaneously attend regular webinars, seminars, and workshops from International Academic Experts relevant to apparel and textile innovation.


How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your Institute?

We have managed to establish healthy relationships and a suitable environment in the college under the leadership and mentorship of our founder, Dr. A. Samant, and Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Director General and Dy Director. Under their guidance and supervision, the KSOFT has been practicing open communication since the inception of the institution and providing mentoring to students. We have a team of cooperating faculties and staff members who contribute highly towards a healthy, sustainable environment on-campus. We encourage each other to remain positive among the stakeholders of KIIT University.