Design Academician and Social Entrepreneur, with practice-based PhD degree from NIFT titled ‘Design Education of Chikankari Artisans: A Tool for Social Innovation’. Jaspal Kalra graduated in Fashion Design from NIIFT, Mohali followed by PGCHE and Master of Design (Fashion) from Nottingham Trent University. Alongside he has worked on project brief development and curriculum for Design and Craft based Institutes, developing new forms through zero waste cutting techniques. He has a total of 21 years’ work experience, in professional design spaces of a self-run brand, with ace designers, retail brands and international buyers, and knowledge sharing at various design Institutes.

He has provided services as a consultant for staff development and course delivery, and conducted seminars and workshops on craft appreciation. His professional engagements range from teaching workshops at Ashoka University and courses at Somaiya Kala Vidya to serving as an expert panellist for ‘National Entrepreneurship Awards Scheme’, a Member of the Board of Study of Fashion departments of Universities and as a design consultant for projects like Usttad (by NIFT supported by Ministry of Minority Affairs). He has presented in various national and international conferences. He works closely with craft clusters and promotes co-design and design practice sharing with artisans through his brand Sangraha Karigar Atelier.

He is a founding member of Kalhath Institute Lucknow’s team to create curriculum and projects, and the Institute’s Executive Director.