Hyderabad: Born into a family of bamboo artisans, a faculty member from the city’s Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) has secured 19 design patents in three years, the highest for an individual from the two Telugu states. A first-generation academician, Rambabu Muppidi received his latest patent for a calabash bottle in the first week this month.He aims to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation and give a new life to several dying arts across the country, especially in Telangana and AP. He has documented more than 60 traditional art forms, and his design patents are being made available to artisans so they can create new products and improve their income. “As a child, I learned to weave bamboo baskets and other household materials from my grandfather. Later, as it became hard to survive by selling bamboo products, we shifted to making flexis and banners. Then we became engravers, earning a livelihood through stone carvings,” Muppidi told TOI. He said his parents were keen that all their children — three sons and a daughter — got an education so the kids wouldn’t have to struggle the way they did.Exposed to various art forms since childhood, Muppidi earned a PhD in design that helped him secure several patents. “I filed 37 design patent applications since I joined FDDI as a contract faculty in 2022. Most of my designs are created with the idea that they can be adapted to various art forms and be of use to artisans,” said the 43-year-old, whose patents include toys, decorative pieces and leather accessories.A native of Jangareddygudem in AP, he wants to create more designs and start an industry with govt support to take art forms to the next level, and ensure that younger generations do not move away from them in search of better opportunities.“I have already conducted several workshops to teach artisans about designing. I could take this forward if the govt helps and do my bit for skill education,” said Muppidi, who has worked as an assistant art director on various films and also as schoolteacher. Later, he became a professor.His patents include a leather-wood bird toy, leather-wood pen stand, trekking backpack and jewellery box case.
