Architects will shape Viksit Bharat: Minister
The 43rd Convocation of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, was held at Bharat Mandapam on Sunday, marking a significant academic milestone for graduating students across disciplines of architecture, planning and design.
Addressing the convocation, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, lauded the crucial role architects and planners will play in India’s development journey. Highlighting the importance of innovation and adaptability, he said architects must think beyond conventional boundaries to address emerging challenges in urbanisation and sustainability. Emphasising the transformative impact of technology, Chaudhary told students, “Artificial Intelligence will not replace architects, it will replace limited thinking.” He urged them to combine creativity with ethics and technological advancement, and contribute meaningfully to the national vision of a “Viksit Bharat”.
SPA Director Virendra Kumar Paul shared details about the graduating batch, stating that a total of 373 students were awarded degrees this year. This included 119 undergraduate students, 223 postgraduate students and 31 PhD scholars. He announced that 20 students received gold medals for their outstanding academic performance. The convocation was presided over by Ar Habeeb Khan, SPA Chairperson, and attended by distinguished guests, including Anand Kumar (Retired IAS), Chairman, Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), and Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC).
