NewZNew (Chandigarh – Kulbir Singh Kalsi) : Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter got “Best Chapter Runners Up Award” at Mumbai recently. The award was given by National President of IIA, Prakash Deshmukh at IIT Powai in Mumbai in a glittering ceremony on the valedictory function at the National Conference 2014. It was attended by architects gathered from all over the world. The award was received by Manmohan Khanna, Chairman, Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter, Surinder Bahga, Editor, Journal of IIA, Sanjay Goel, Joint Secretary, IIA Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter and their team. The Best Chapter Award was given to Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter fourth time in the 96 years history of IIA. In the past, this Chapter got Best Chapter Award in 2009 and runners-up trophies in 2010 and 2011. This award is being given to chapters and centres of IIA every year based on their performance to promote architecture profession in India. At present, India has approximately 18 chapters and 42 centres.
The chapter has worked relentlessly during the whole year. It has organized various conferences, workshops and Interaction programmes in Chandigarh and in the state of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The Chapter has successfully launched one Centre at Ludhiana and three Sub Centres at Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Bathinda in order to coordinate the activities of the chapter. IIA had organized first ever International Conference in Punjab State on Architecture in October, 2014 which earned it maximum credit at national level. The chapter has published a Directory of Architects in Punjab which has proved to be a boon for all stake holders related to building industry in any form. The chapter is also doing another National Conference on “Rediscovering Cities” at School of Architecture, Sadopur near Ambala in Haryana. The membership of chapter has also increased. The chapter has played a pro-active role to improve living conditions of Indian society in rural, semi-urban and urban areas. Besides this, IIA is instrumental in organising various programmes to imbibe good values in this part of the country. IIA is planning to launch its students wing in North India to channelise energy of youth for nation building.
It also coordinates with various government and private organizations to facilitate preparation of master plans of cities and imparting quality education in architecture.
