I am very excited to share that VarnikaDesigns started ‘JUGNU’ – A monthly book club to read, reflect, and share knowledge. Books, books and more books for finding the Jugnu – the glow – in you Objective: ‘Jugnu’ means glow worm – let’s find the glow in our lives
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On the evening of 29th August, 2026, JUGNU book club invited eminent designer Prof Mahendra C Patel to share his design approach to books and other print products. Prof Patel is a Design Guru, winner of the Gutenberg International Award for his contribution in Type Design Development of Indian Scripts. It was exciting to learn from his experience of nearly five decades from India – Switzerland – US – Canada!
“I am not a regular or passionate reader, but I am concerned about readers and users of stories or information. I am planning to take this opportunity to share my approach in designing for them.”
Prof MC Patel 22.08.2026
In this talk, Prof Patel, explained in detailed how he had designed, with his students, a catalogue for the famous Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune – he had conceived of the catalogue as a museum in a print format!!! He talks about the challenges with working with text and photographs when they are not in the format in which they could be turned into a well designed book, how photographs need to be taken to specially fit into the high quality images the catalogue required.
The scope of the graphic designer extends well beyond what they start with – indeed a great learning experience from a design guru.
He also shared his designs for reports and maps that he designed while at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad.
The discussion was held at the Hutheesing Visual Art Centre, Ahmedabad – our gratitude to them for hosting us.
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Savour a world of books Registration link for joining ‘Jugnu’ – the book club: https://forms.gle/VGXEmDRzN2BY4Jyp7 ………….
There is no age limit, we aim to be as multi lingual and inclusive as possible so everyone is welcome – if you read books.
Features of the book club ‘Jugnu’:
Physical Meets once a month for 2 hours
Online Meets only on special occasions as decided by VarnikaDesigns
Each month will have focus on a unique theme eg. poetry, design, architecture, children’s books, cuisine, regional literature The theme for each month will be declared in advance through social media and email group
Those who have read or are reading books on the pre declared theme would meet and share their reading
Reading Schedule: – Moderator assigned by VarnikaDesigns selects books according to theme
Moderator introduces the theme and their book – Crtique the book, author, something from similar genre
Participants talk about their understanding and learning from their book A book list will be prepared from the participants and shared with all.
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VarnikaDesigns is a multidisciplinary platform that aims to break boundaries, both physical and intellectual, and create seamless integration between people, heritage and museums to help one appreciate the other and provide inclusive and accessible spaces. We are 16 this year!
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