Gujarat, Ahmedabad 9th June 2025 – Godrej Enterprises Archives today releasedthe official catalogue for its acclaimed exhibition, ‘Shaping Dreams, Designing Lives: A Godrej Story’at CEPT University in Ahmedabad marking theirInternational Archives Day celebrations. The catalogue was unveiled by Dr.Pheroza J Godrej, Chairperson of Godrej Archives Council.
The richly illustrated catalogue highlights the legacy of three iconic Godrej products namely the steel cupboard, chair, and refrigerator that became synonymous with the journey of middle-class India and symbolises modernity for countless people in India. The catalogue has been developed as a valuable resource for researchers, designers, historians, and enthusiasts of Indian cultural history, offering a deep dive into the intersection of design and everyday life. It is available for purchase at CEPT, University Ahmedabadat a price of₹1500/- , or you can write to archives@godrej.com for purchasing copies.
The release of the catalogue was followed by a panel discussion organised to mark the occasion. The panel featured Dr. Abigail McGowan, Professor of History at the University of Vermont; SaritaSundar, Designer and Founder of Hanno; and TanishkaKachru, Senior Faculty at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. The session was moderated by SamanQuraishi, Architect and Archivist at CEPT Archives. Together, they explored the purpose of the catalogue in preserving design heritage and its role in linking past innovations to modern identities.
The exhibition, to which this catalogue belongs, is curated by DeepikaSrivastava, Design Historian and educator, and designed by DhariniPadh, an NID alumna. It was inaugurated on 12th May 2025 and is open to the public until 13th July at CEPT University’s LilavatiLalbhai Library, from 10 AM to 8 PM. It showcases an extensive collection from Godrej Enterprises Archives, like vintage advertisements, product catalogues, correspondence, and personal stories. These artifacts denote the journey of the brand in shaping the aspirations and lifestyle of Indian households over the past 128 years.
“Archives are the custodians of our collective memory. This catalogue marks Godrej’s 128-year journey of innovation and design through three iconic creations – steel cupboard, chair and refrigerator, that have touched millions of lives. On International Archives Day, we celebrate the vital role archives play in preserving our shared heritage and inspiring future creativity. We are delighted to collaborate with CEPT University on this special exhibition,” said VrundaPathare, Head, GodrejEnterprises Archives.
“The catalogue explores a century of design, innovation, and everyday life in India through the lens of the Godrej Archives. Archival images, immersive timelines, and interactive dioramas bring alive Godrej’s role in shaping modern Indian aspirations. At CEPT University, design lies at the heart of our academic vision, and we recognize the critical role archives play—not just in preserving the past, but as powerful educational tools that inform and inspire future generations of designers, architects, and thinkers. We are pleased to collaborate with Godrej Archives on this meaningful exhibition,” said Dr.TridipSuhrud, Provost, CEPT University.
