The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad held its 29th convocation here on Sunday. Salman Haider, former foreign secretary and chairman of the NID Governing Council, presented diplomas to 217 students.

The Institute also conferred the 'Pride of NID' award to its students who won prizes and accolades in various national and international design competitions.

This year, NID won awards in Pininfarina (Italy) Auto Design Competition, Taiwan International Design Competition, InDesign competition by Ranault and Auto India, Traffic Umbrella Design competition by Ahmedabad Traffic Police, Asifa Award for Excellence in Animation among others.

According to Akhil Succena, NID's officiating director, 37 students graduated from the Product Design discipline this year, followed by 29 Graphic Design students and 26 Animation Film Design students. He said, “NID, which is considered among the best 25 design schools, will celebrate its Golden Jubilee year in 2011-2012.”

NID staff members who completed 25 years of service were also presented memento. On the occasion, Haider announced the opening of the 'Young Designers' show and discipline displays.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, who was the convocation speaker, could not come due to some reasons. His speech was screened for the audience.