Ritesh Panda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Design at NIFT Bhubaneswar, with over a decade of teaching experience in visual arts, art history, aesthetics, and philosophy. He holds B.V.A. and M.V.A. degrees in Art History and Aesthetics from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and has previously taught at MSU Baroda, Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, and Lovely Professional University.

His academic and research interests span Indian art, visual culture, traditional crafts, handloom, aesthetics, and contemporary design. He actively contributes to handloom and craft-cluster initiatives at NIFT Bhubaneswar. His creative practice focuses on wood engraving and printmaking, exploring urban experience, visual narratives, and contemporary social themes. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Wood Engravers Network Triennial Exhibition and VII International Mini Print Cantabria.

Panda is actively engaged in student mentoring, academic outreach, craft documentation, and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect traditional knowledge with contemporary fashion education. He continues to develop his printmaking practice while fostering greater appreciation of India’s diverse artistic, textile, and craft heritage.