Nina Sabnani

Nina Sabnani is a Professor at the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where she teaches courses including DE 132 - World of Images and Objects, DE 645 - Animation Theory-1, DE 131 - Design and Human Evolution, and DE 221 - Design Studio III - Creative Explorations. She has been instrumental in developing animation and visual communication programs at both NID and IDC.

Her educational background includes:

• BFA (Painting) from Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Baroda (1979)
• Certificate in Animation Film making from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (1982)
• M.A in Television, Film, Multimedia from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University, USA (1998)
• Doctoral Research at Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay (2006 onwards)

Sabnani's research uniquely bridges traditional Indian storytelling practices with contemporary media forms, particularly focusing on animation as ethnography. Her work explores visual culture, folklore, and the relationship between word and image, with special attention to how traditional forms like the Kaavad can be documented and revitalized through digital media. She has pioneered methodologies that use animation for cultural preservation and has created numerous animation films that explore historical narratives, particularly around the Partition of India.

Analysis of her publications reveals a clear trajectory from traditional animation practice toward using animation as a sophisticated tool for visual ethnography, with increasing focus on the Kaavad tradition of Rajasthan. Her work consistently demonstrates how digital tools can document and revitalize folk traditions while preserving their cultural integrity, creating innovative educational applications that connect traditional knowledge systems with contemporary learning needs.

Her notable awards include:

• 2008: Best animation award for 'Mukand and Riaz' at the International Video Festival Kerala
• 2007: Recognition for 'My Mother's Sari' as an outstanding international book
• 2006: Certificate of merit for 'Mukand and Riaz' at Digicon 6, Tokyo
• 1998: State Lalit Kala Academy award for painting
• 1997: Fulbright fellowship in Communications Technology
• 1987: UNDP fellowship to study animation in Europe
• 1985: Best Animation film prize for 'Drawing! Drawing!'

Sabnani has secured significant research funding, including a Ford Foundation Matching Grant (2002-2006) for the 'Digital Inclusion, NID E-Kaavad' project focused on repurposing traditional communication forms for primary education. She has conducted international workshops and developed teaching materials that bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary educational needs, collaborating with institutions across the globe from MIT to the Royal College of Art.

Her 'Telling it Together' initiative has created platforms for collaborative storytelling that connect traditional artisans with contemporary media practitioners, while her work with the Kaavad tradition has led to innovative documentation methods that preserve intangible cultural heritage. She continues to expand her research into how animation can serve as both a research methodology and a medium for cultural transmission.