Sunday 28-30 September, 10-4 p.m.: Short Course: Ecoprint, Block Printing & Rust Printing with Dr Vishal C. Bhand

I had the privilege of learning under Vishal Sir during my time at Silpa Sadana, Visva Bharati University.
His classes opened my mind to see design from a broader, more creative perspective. He always encouraged us to think differently, challenge conventional ideas, and dream big. His motivation and guidance had a profound impact on me, not just as a student but also in shaping my professional journey. Today, as I work as a Technical Designer in London, I can confidently say that Vishal Sir’s inspiration played a key role in getting me here. I wholeheartedly recommend his course in creative textile design to anyone passionate about exploring their creativity and pushing boundaries.

Very rarely do we find a practicing designer and a teacher in one person, but Dr. Vishal Bhand is a rare exception. A visionary in natural dyes and sustainable textile design, he embodies both roles with remarkable depth and sincerity. My journey in the world of textiles has been profoundly shaped by his mentorship, which combined hands-on experimentation, meaningful dialogue, and deep insights into sustainable practices.

Dr. Bhand’s passion for his craft is contagious. His teaching goes far beyond technique he encourages critical thinking, nurtures creativity, and challenges students to consider the social and ecological impact of their work. He allows students the freedom to explore and experiment, creating a studio environment where learning is both exciting and empowering. Under his expert guidance, I developed a nuanced understanding of the relationship between nature, color, and design. His unique teaching style marked by technical mastery and creative openness helped me discover my own artistic voice in textile design.

Through him, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and potential of natural dyes. His emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation instilled in me a strong sense of purpose. I now feel confident as I begin my career working with natural dye pastes in screen printing combining tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

People in London who are passionate about sustainable textiles should not miss the opportunity to attend his workshops. Dr. Bhand’s rare blend of design expertise and teaching skill offers participants a truly enriching experience that bridges craft, innovation, and ecological awareness.

As I take the next steps in my journey, I remain deeply grateful for his mentorship. His influence continues to guide and inspire my path in ethical and creative textile practice.

In one word EXCELLENT!! I have know both Vishal and Bijoya for a few years now. Our first introduction was with them in santiniketan where I was visiting and googled to find out about ecoprints. Beej and company name popped up in the search and we were welcomed to their beautiful home and studio without any prior appointment. Our journey started there… we spent hours in their home where the couple showed us all their work alongwith explaining how they worked with these colors. It was interesting to see Vishal’s hand dyed with colors which showed his own interest and that he always has worked hands on with his students ( we did not know then that he was a professor at viswabharati and dealt with textiles). We bought SEVERAL sarees, dresses and scarves from them for personal use as well as to give as gifts to our family and friends in USA. In one word the absolutely loved them!! I have personally worn them so many times and each time the saree stuns everyone. The colors are crisp and the quality of their silks just amazing. The flowy are another hugely popular for me - they fit and feel well. The angora shawls with ecoprints are amazing.

I would recommend anyone to Vishal and bijoya in a heartbeat - exemplary work with no compromise in quality. I am always on the lookout for something new and innovative and Vishal and his students have something new all the time :)
Best wishes Vishal and Bijoya - your “Beej” is growing and definitely spreading waves around!!! Love you guys!!

I had the privilege to get introduced to Dr Vishal Bhand's creativity that brings a rare blend of artistry and ecological insights to textile design. He transforms leaves, rust and natural dyes into wearable stories. With is deep roots in heritage craft and a global design-perspective, he makes sustainability beautiful. A breath of fresh air and a must for anyone seeking mindful, creative and ecologically responsible fashion.

A Journey of Eight Years with My Guru

Today marks eight years of learning, growth, and deep inspiration under the guidance of my guru, Dr. Vishal Bhand a visionary designer, a passionate teacher, and a truly generous human being.

From my very first academic project to every step I’ve taken since, his mentorship has shaped not only my work but also my values. He didn’t just teach us design, he taught us discipline, dedication, and the importance of observing the world with curiosity and compassion. He showed us how to think with our hands, feel with our hearts, and create with intention.

Dr. Bhand has always expected his students to strive for more than just aesthetic excellence — he urges us to dig deeper, to ask questions, and to stay rooted in tradition while pushing boundaries. Under his guidance, we learned to respect our materials, understand their origin, and innovate with responsibility.

His pioneering work in natural dye research, eco-printing, and rust-dyeing techniques has not only revived age-old processes but also given them contemporary relevance. He has redefined how we think about color, nature, and sustainability in design always encouraging experimentation while staying grounded in craft and community.

With his unwavering encouragement, I found the courage to forge my own path. Today, as the founder of Kopai, I carry forward the philosophy he instilled in me: honoring tradition, celebrating craft, and embracing the responsibility to sustain them.

At my studio, I work with hand batik using natural dyes on handwoven textiles — an expression of everything I absorbed from him: a love for Indian crafts, a commitment to handloom revival, and a belief in the power of artisan-led change.

His teachings are present in every piece I create, and I will forever be proud to call myself his student.

I thank you sir, for your belief, your wisdom, and your endless support. Whatever I am today, it is because of your guidance. I will always seek your blessings, and carry your lessons with me, for life.

And now, I’m thrilled to know that my guru, Dr. Vishal Bhand, will soon be conducting a workshop in London!

This is a rare opportunity to experience his unique approach to natural dyeing, eco-printing, and rust techniques blending deep traditional knowledge with cutting-edge experimentation.
If you're in London and passionate about slow design, sustainable textiles, or craft innovation, don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the finest minds in the field.

Ms. Ankita Mondal
Founder, KOPAI
Shantiniketan.