Dr. Rambabu Muppidi, Senior Faculty at FDDI, received appreciation for his contributions to design innovation, handicraft research, and intellectual property creation during a prestigious exhibition held in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The event was attended by Hon’ble Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh Ji, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Textiles and Handicrafts Smt. Savitha, senior officials from the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation, Lepakshi Handicrafts, and other distinguished representatives from the textile, handicrafts, and MSME sectors.
At the exhibition, Dr. Muppidi showcased a portfolio of 33 Indian Design Patents along with a range of innovative products inspired by traditional Indian crafts and contemporary design practices. The exhibits included educational and handicraft-based toys, leather accessories, utility products, decorative items, eco-friendly innovations, and research-driven design solutions developed through CAD/CAM applications, prototyping, and intellectual property initiatives.
Appreciating Dr. Muppidi’s efforts, Shri Giriraj Singh Ji highlighted the importance of transforming traditional crafts into contemporary products through innovation, design protection, and product development. He emphasized the role of the “Make in India” initiative in strengthening India's textile, handicraft, toy, and creative manufacturing sectors and encouraged continued efforts towards innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship, and artisan empowerment.
Belonging to an artisan family from Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Muppidi has consistently worked towards preserving traditional and endangered crafts through research, documentation, design education, and innovation-led product development. His work draws inspiration from indigenous craft traditions such as Kondapalli and Etikoppaka toys, bamboo crafts, wooden handicrafts, and palm-leaf products. Through design patents and research-based innovations, he continues to promote sustainability, creativity, and awareness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among students, artisans, and young designers.
