NID’s Silence on Indigenous Designer’s Erased Authorship Raises Questions on Institutional Bias ?

Shyam Murmu *

We may not be fully familiar, but we are certainly aware of the long history of betrayal and exploitation faced by indigenous peoples. Yet, is it imaginable that in the era of 21st century an indigenous or tribal designer would have to pay a price for his patriotism simply because he is indigenous or tribal ?

What Is the Issue?

According to a LinkedIn post by Jagadeesh Taluri, at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, the name of indigenous designer Sudhir John Horo was removed from records of his past work and the course materials he had presented at the institute.

Instead of giving him individual credit, institutional phrases like "Teamwork" were used, effectively erasing his authorship. When Horo learned about this, he wrote to the NID Director and other concerned officials.

Receiving no response, he requested a meeting with the Director, expressing his wish to step into the institute for one final time and have a 10-minute conversation over tea. On the scheduled day, when Horo arrived at the institute dressed in traditional indigenous attire, the Director’s office informed him of the Director’s unavailability and did not offer any clear alternative time.

As a result, Horo waited outside the NID gate for hours. Many of his former students came out to meet him and received brochures created by him. However, neither the Director nor any faculty member considered it appropriate to meet or even speak with him.

According to available sources, Horo has not filed any case against NID Ahmedabad, nor has the institution established any internal committee to investigate the matter. However, Horo has written several articles highlighting how the institution disregards tribal excellence and still has colonial perspective towards tribal or indigenous knowledge system.

Who Is Sudhir John Horo?

Born in Jharkhand, Sudhir John Horo is a 1996 graduate of the National Institute of Design. He led India’s business branding, nation branding, and public diplomacy projects at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meetings for ten consecutive years. He conceptualized major national tourism projects like "Incredible India@60."

In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs’ Public Diplomacy Division, he conceptualized the "Indiafrica" project, connecting young professionals from 54 African nations with India.

Horo also played a significant role in Bonjour India – Festival of France in India. Additionally, he contributed to India's business branding at the world's largest trade fair, Hannover Messe (Germany), and at the European Parliament’s business exhibition in Brussels. He also conceptualized "India Future of Change" with the Ministry of External Affairs.

As a result of his efforts, India's appeal for tourism and foreign investment grew significantly. He also designed the logo for Invest India, which was showcased at the World Expo Dubai 2020 yet he was not credited for this contribution.

Previously, Horo served as Special Secretary in the Information and Public Relations Department of the Jharkhand Government. He is also convener of Tribal Design Forum, India’s premier community of designers and creative professionals from various tribes of India.

Currently, he is the Director of the Adivasi Academy, Bhasha Research and Publication Centre in Tejgadh, Gujarat an institution recognized as a Centre of Excellence by India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Why Is This Issue Sensitive for India?

The credibility of a globally respected institution like NID is being questioned, which could harm India's reputation internationally.

Indigenous authorship is a critical global issue — the United Nations and major international design bodies recognize indigenous designers as an essential part of indigenous communities and advocate strongly for protecting their rights.

Despite Horo’s crucial and sensitive contributions to India, the insensitivity displayed by the institute projects a deeply negative image. Such incidents could erode trust in prestigious institutions like NID, especially among students from indigenous communities.

Question arises ?

Why was such an act committed within a national institution, and under whose instructions? Why the NID Director has so far not issued any formal statement nor denied the allegations ?

Meanwhile, distinguished voices from the national and international design community are reacting on LinkedIn, expressing strong displeasure and anger toward NID Ahmedabad.