DEEPAK KUMAR
Mr. Amresh Panigrahi
deepak_k@nid.edu
This graduation project focuses on designing sustainable souvenir solutions for Indian Railways by translating the organization’s sustainability narratives into meaningful, eco-conscious products. Addressing the issue of souvenirs becoming short-lived waste, the project adopts a systemic approach that considers the entire product lifecycle from ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing to longevity and end-of-life reuse or recycling. The objective was to create souvenirs that embody Indian Railways’ commitment to sustainability while remaining emotionally resonant and culturally relevant. The process followed a four-phase methodology involving field and desk research, concept development through storytelling, material exploration using biodegradable, recycled, and locally sourced materials, and iterative prototyping with stakeholder feedback. Collaborations with local artisans ensured cultural authenticity. Key insights emphasized emotional durability, functional relevance, and lifecycle thinking as essential to sustainable souvenir design. The project demonstrates how souvenirs can act as lasting memory objects while responsibly reflecting institutional legacy and environmental values.