VIJAYAWADA: Describing architects and planners as synthesisers of different ideas, Prof Sudhir K Jain, founder-director of IIT Gandhinagar said architects and planners played a pivotal role in the development of a nation. Delivering the convocation address at the 4th convocation of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Vijayawada on Friday, Sudhir Jain said the new breed of architects had a rare opportunity in this age to contribute and give shape to the ever-rising standards of excellence in every sphere.
To emphasise how the architects and planners could become game-changers, the IIT-Gandhinagar founder explained the connect between IIT-Gandhinagar and SPA Vijayawada, which had both commenced at the same time, nearly 10 years ago.
“When we were contemplating to rope in a well-noted architecture firm for IIT-Gandhinagar, Brinda Somaya, chairperson of the Board of Governor at SPA, came out with an out-of-the-box suggestion: instead of allocating everything to some world-famous firm, different works should be allocated to different firms. Accordingly, the works were split, which proved to be a smart decision. In the success story of IIT-Gandhinagar, the role of architects is undeniable,” he said.
Brinda Somaya, who could not attend the convocation for personal reasons, in her video message, congratulated all those graduating and said it was important to remember that with economic prosperity, came disparity, hence everyone should carry the burden of responsibility on their shoulders. Prof Minakshi Jain, director of SPA Vijayawada presided over the convocation and presented the annual report of the institute.