The Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), India’s pioneering automobile design institute, has unveiled Param—a striking steel installation symbolizing innovation and creative freedom. Designed by renowned artist Vibhor Sogani, Param marks the launch of INDEA and reflects its bold vision for the future of automotive design in India. Inspired by the Sanskrit word meaning ‘supreme’ or ‘ultimate,’ the installation represents the institute’s commitment to pushing boundaries, nurturing artistic expression, and shaping a new era of design excellence.
It was formally unveiled on the 16th of June by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, at the ground breaking ceremony of the design institute.
Crafted as an elegant quadrilateral sculpture in steel, Param draws inspiration from the four directions, representing the diverse sources from which INDEA will draw influence and radiate its reach. Four distinct panels adorn the monument, each carrying its own narrative—the first celebrating the momentous unveiling, the second featuring a visionary message from legendary automobile designer Marcello Gandini, often hailed as the ‘father of the wedge,’ inspiring students to reimagine the contours of future mobility. The third panel bears INDEA’s empowering motto: “Shape the future, for the greater good!” Meanwhile, the fourth panel is intentionally left blank—a ‘tabula rasa’ in Latin — symbolizing limitless potential, a clean canvas awaiting the innovations and ideas yet to be conceived.
Inspired by Gandini’s revolutionary wedge design, the 16-feet high Param incorporates angular, sculptural elements that evoke motion, strength, and forward-thinking. Its ascending steel form symbolizes boundless aspiration and growth, reflecting INDEA’s commitment to elevating design standards and fostering a culture of innovation. The installation’s bold presence at the institute’s entrance aims to serve as both a geographical marker and an ongoing inspiration for generations of designers, industry insiders, and visitors alike.
Vibhor Sogani’s artistry masterfully bridges art and technology, turning what is traditionally a utilitarian foundation stone into a dynamic work of art that captures the spirit of creative exploration. As it stands sentinel at the gateway to INDEA, Param is intended to be a cultural cornerstone—inviting curiosity, sparking inspiration, and igniting conversations about the future possibilities of automotive innovation.
Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of INDEA and Chairperson of the Centre for Automobile Design & Management at XLRI, articulates the significance of the installation: “Param is more than a symbol—it’s a statement of purpose. It signifies our unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and inspiring new paradigms in automobile design. Vibhor’s creation is a living testament to our vision—a symbol that will continue to inspire generations of designers to embrace creativity, questioning, and limitless possibility.”
“Param was envisioned as more than a sculpture, it is a symbol of aspiration, direction, and creative potential. Drawing from the spirit of innovation and the future-forward ethos of INDEA, I designed it to evoke motion, purpose, and infinite possibility. Its form reflects a journey, rooted in tradition, yet reaching toward the unknown. It stands as an invitation to imagine fearlessly, to challenge convention, and to shape what lies ahead.” said Vibhor Sogani, Artist & Designer
This striking installation not only cements INDEA’s place as a hub of cutting-edge design and innovation but also elevates its identity into the realm of contemporary art and cultural expression. As India’s first dedicated automobile design institute, INDEA aspires to be a catalyst for sustainable, inventive, and transformative ideas that will sculpt the future of mobility, with Param standing proudly as a testament to that ambition.
