Archana Ranjan

Archana Ranjan is a dedicated teacher and a seasoned pattern master with over three decades of experience in the realms of teaching, student management, and coordination. She is a Co-Founder of Akalk Foundation. Her expertise spans across a wide spectrum of subjects, including Industrial Pattern Making, Garment Construction, TUKA Design, TUKA Studio, E-fit, Weaving, and Surface techniques. In terms of her educational background, Archana holds a Senior Fellowship (2021-2022) in the field of Culture and is actively pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the impact of Skill Oriented Vocational Education and Training on Women in Rural Areas. She earned her M.Sc. in Fashion Technology from Punjab Technical University in 2015, complemented by an M.A. in Psychology.

Archana’s contributions to research are notable, with published research papers such as “Bharua Qaseeda Kurti” and “Indigenous traditional trousseau from Bihar: A revival through Design Intervention.” Additionally, her work on “Empowering Indian Rural Women Beyond Barriers” has been accepted by The International Journal of Indian Psychology. She has also presented her insights at conferences, including the Virtual International Conference at Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun.

Her commitment to professional development is evident through a myriad of qualifications, including certifications in Design Thinking, Fashion Trend Forecasting, and sustainability-related courses from esteemed institutions such as IIT M, London School of Trends, and London College of Fashion. Archana has been actively involved in conducting workshops, including a virtual webinar on ‘Circular Fashion by Second Chance’ and a workshop on ‘Circular Design Challenge’ for Patna Women’s College.

Throughout her career, Archana Ranjan has held prominent positions such as an Assistant Professor at Rishihood University, Sonipat, Haryana, and Head of Design and Pattern Master at HAR. YARN. V. Her expertise is further extended as a visiting faculty at INIFD Gurgaon and the Centre of Fashion Design & Technology, University of Allahabad. She has been instrumental in conducting classes in Industrial Pattern Making and Garment Construction for industry professionals.

Archana’s diverse experiences include empanelment as a Designer in the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, pattern drafting for various healthcare facilities, and involvement in events organized by the Apparel Export and Promotion Council Gurgaon. Her journey encompasses a rich tapestry of roles, from Senior Instructor at Sushant School of Design, Ansal University, to Production Head and Pattern Master at Padmnabh Trading Company, Gurgaon.

Beyond her career, Archana Ranjan has made substantial contributions to the artisan community, worked with NGOs like SEWA Lucknow U.P. and Read India, and actively participated in initiatives like the Gen-Next Designer program with FDCI and Lakme Fashion Week. Her accolades include representing Uttar Pradesh for hand-embroidery and self-designed garments in Dilli Haat, participation in the Garment Fair of Bihar Industries Association, and organizing educational tours for students to explore various facets of the fashion and textile industry across India.

In essence, Archana Ranjan is not just an educator and pattern master but a visionary who champions traditional crafts, sustainability, and the empowerment of rural women through skill-oriented education. Her illustrious career and extensive contributions have left an indelible mark on the fields of fashion and design.