Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh University hosts Urban Symphony 2025: Paving the path to a Future-Ready India
Chandigarh University hosts Global Summit and ICTAC-2025, leading Architects and Planners discuss Sustainable Urbanization for India’s Future
Babushai Bureau
Chandigarh, April 15, 2025: Chandigarh University (CU) hosted Urban Symphony 2025, a two-day dynamic event featuring the "Global Summit: Future Ready India" and the "3rd International Conference on Trends in Architecture & Construction", bringing together eminent architects, urban planners, experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore transformative strategies to build resilient, future-ready cities and prepare the blueprint for a future ready India in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Urban Symphony 2025 kicked off on 27 March with ‘Global Summit: Future Ready India’ with Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, India, attending in the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest.
The other dignitaries who attended the grand opening ceremony included Guests of Honour, Kalapi A. Buch, Principal Architect, Co-Founder, Sfuurrna Akrriitt, Bharuch, Guest of Honor Prof. Ar. Vasileios Syros, Institute for European Global Studies, University of Basel ( Switzerland), Manmohan Khanna, Chairman, India Institute of Architects, Chandigarh Chapter, Sumit Kaur, former Chief Architect, Department of Urban Planning, Chandigarh Administration and Dr SS Bhatti , founder-teacher and former Principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, who also received Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion.
The renowned architects who attended the inaugural recemony as special invitees included Rajiv Kumar Mehta - Chief Architect, Chandigarh, Tarun Garg, Chief Vigilance Officer-cum-Additional Chief Architect, Punjab, Pritpal Singh Ahluwalia – Chairman - IIA, Punjab, Jit Kumar Gupta, former Town Planner, Rajnish Wattas, former Principal Chandigarh College of Architecture, SS Sekhon, former Chief Architect, Punjab, Sangeeta Bagga, Principal of the Chandigarh College of Architecture and Ravijeet Singh, founder of R S Builders, Mohali.
With the presentation of 135 research papers selected out of 256 received, including 45 from 11 countries, Urban Symphony 2025 facilitated insightful deliberations on contemporary urban challenges and innovative solutions.
The Global Summit 2025 Future Ready India brought together India's eminent architects and urban planners to re-think, re-imagine, and re-establish various facets of urbanization in Indian cities and the integration of sustainable practices, focusing on the six building blocks of Viksit Bharat.
The 3rd International Conference on Trends in Architecture & Construction (ICTAC-2025) centered around themes of contemporary relevance -- sustainable practices in urban planning, design, and construction, particularly in response to climate change and the need to reduce environmental impact. ICTAC-2025 focussed on fostering innovation, sustainability, and excellence to address the key challenges facing the built environment while contributing to societal betterment.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Ratish Nanda, CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture India, emphasized, “If India is to be future-ready, architects and urban planners have to play a very important role. They have the potential to make a significant impact on sustainable development goals. By drawing lessons from historic buildings and traditional materials, it is essential for architects to learn how to incorporate these traditional crafts into modern architecture. Without this, there is little hope for our craftsmanship to survive for future generations. Conservation and development must go hand in hand. It is the responsibility of the younger generation to learn from both the mistakes and successes of the past. Architects must avoid making mistakes with their clients' money.”
In his address, Guest of Honour Kalapi A. Buch, Principal Architect, Co-Founder, Sfuurrna Akrriitt, Bharuch said, “In our pursuit of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, the most important factor is to build character through spirituality and hard work. While it's crucial to learn from others, once you begin your work, focus on originality in your chosen field and strive for success. India has already been a global leader in many areas, and we must all work together to ensure that future India continues to lead the world in design and architecture."
Guest of Honor Prof. Ar Vasileios Syros, Institute for European Global Studies, University of Basel (Switzerland) said, “One of the most intriguing frameworks related to architecture and planning is Vastu Shastra, a comprehensive model of design. A thriving city requires harmony and balance among the five fundamental elements of nature – land, water, air, space, and light. The West has much to learn from India's indigenous traditions and knowledge systems when it comes to holistic architectural planning. With its rich and ancient legacy, India holds the potential to offer valuable lessons, especially in shaping the future through architecture, during a challenging era marked by conflict,”.
Dr SS Bhatti, founder-teacher and former Principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, said students of architecture should not chase anything and focus on work with dedication.
“Learn to analyze and observe critically, gather all the data, and synthesize it into something meaningful. Only architects have the ability to do this—just as Vishwakarma created the universe. Stay focused on your work. Great architects carry out their craft quietly, without seeking the spotlight or photo opportunities,” he added.