Pune: The Pune Centre of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) marked its 60th anniversary with a grand event held at Pandit Farms, D.P. Road. The ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of senior architects and educators who have significantly contributed to the field of architecture.

Three senior architects, Jubair Shaikh, Anil Hatkar, and Iqbal Chani, were presented with the esteemed ‘IIA S.K. Belwalkar Award’ for Excellence in Profession, recognizing their over 45 years of dedication to architecture.

Additionally, five renowned educators—Dr. Abhijit Natu, Dr. Sujata Karve, Prof. Fatima Kabir, Prof. Aarti Patil, and Dr. Swati Sahasrabuddhe—were awarded the ‘IIA S.J. Contracts Award’ for Excellence in Teaching. Each awardee received a citation and a memento as part of their recognition.

The event was graced by prominent personalities, including IIA’s Honorary Joint Secretary Architect Sandeep Bavadekar, Samir Belwalkar of the Belwalkar Group, Saurabh Jangle, Director of S.J. Contracts, and IIA Pune Centre leaders Architect Vikas Achalkar and Architect Sitesh Agrawal. A souvenir edited by Architect Mrinalini Sane was also unveiled during the ceremony, earning her accolades for her editorial efforts.

Insightful talks were delivered by Architect Vivek Bhole, Managing Director of Vivek Bhole Architects, and Architect Biju Kuriakose, Co-Founder of Chennai-based urban design firm Architecture RED. Architect Bhole emphasized the potential of higher Floor Space Index (FSI) in Indian cities like Mumbai and advocated for sustainable high-rise construction practices. “India should draw inspiration from Singapore for urban design rather than Dubai,” he stated, highlighting the importance of balancing private and public spaces.

Architect Kuriakose spoke about the evolving role of architects amidst environmental, socio-economic, and cultural challenges. “Modern architects must transcend conventional roles to become facilitators, collaborators, and innovators,” he said, sharing his experiences from projects in Chennai and Trivandrum.

In his inaugural address, Architect Vikas Achalkar reflected on the six-decade journey of IIA Pune Centre and outlined its ambitious plans for the future. The event concluded with a soulful Sufi Night performance by Tariq Faiz, leaving over 500 attendees, including architects, educators, students, and professionals, thoroughly inspired. The program was seamlessly anchored by Neelam Daswani.