Chandigarh, February 2025 – Chandigarh Design School (CDS), in collaboration with SXILL, recently hosted a heartfelt Alumni Networking Meetup titled “Beyond Pixels – My Circle of Trust” to mark the 29th year since their academic journey began in 1996.
The event drew over 35 alumni from across decades, making it the first major alumni event post-COVID. The occasion also paid homage to the first ceremonial milestone—a havan conducted on 23rd February 1997, graced by Late Dr. S.P. Singh.
Vineet Raj Kapoor, Founder of CDS and SXILL, and Indian Expert for IDT at WorldSkills, shared,
“This isn’t just a reunion. It’s a moment of celebration—of careers built, friendships nurtured, and dreams shaped here. These alumni are not just our past; they are our present collaborators and future changemakers.”
Alumni formed breakout groups to network and share their journeys. From early batches to the more recent graduates, each story highlighted how CDS and SXILL’s mentoring culture shaped their professional lives. Many expressed continued support from faculty even years after graduation.
Neelu Kapoor, Co-Founder of CDS and National Jury for Graphic Design Technology, reflected,
“Our alumni live in our memories. Their growth mirrors ours. Every milestone we’ve achieved is because of them.”
Some notable alumni included Shikha Sharma (COO, LTA and HIPAA, Batch of 2004) and Saloni Chopra (Principal UI/UX Designer, Oceaneering, USA, Batch of 2009). Saloni shared how she continues to seek mentorship from Vineet Raj Kapoor and how her husband—a 2005 alumnus—is now a Lead 3D Artist at the same company.
The event perfectly captured the spirit of CDS—lifelong learning, global collaboration, and personal connections that go beyond the classroom.