National-Level Recognition at 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2026

The Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University, has achieved significant national-level recognition at the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards & Exhibition on “Viksit Bharat 2047”, held on 10 April 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

The event, organized by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), was graced by Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. The awards ceremony was led by Dr. P. S. Rana, Chairman, CIDC, and attended by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. P. R. Swarup (Director General, CIDC), Dr. Uddesh Kohli (Chairman Emeritus, CIDC), Dr. B. D. Mundhra (Mentor, CIDC), and Mr. Pradip Bhargava, I.A.S. (Retd.), Chairman of the Jury and Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nirma University and CIDC, aimed at strengthening industry–academia collaboration, fostering research and innovation, enhancing skill development, and promoting sustainable construction practices. The initiative was facilitated under the leadership of Shri G. R. Nair, Executive Registrar, and Prof. Dr. Chandran Rekha Jetty, Director, Institute of Architecture and Planning.

The Institute received recognition across multiple award categories:

• Code M – Achievement Award for Creating Social Development and Impact
  Ar. Biswanath Mudiwas honoured for the project “Sustainable Horizons Initiatives: Where Tradition Meets Innovation” at Kedi School, Dharampur. The project demonstrates a design–build–learn approach using bamboo and wattle & daub construction, with strong community engagement.
  Ms. Saniya Bhargava and Ms. Khushi Jesani, final-year students, who actively contributed to the project along with other students, were present to receive the award.
• Code K – Achievement Award for Sustainable & Advanced Materials / Practices / Process
  Shweta Suhanewas recognized for Nirma University’s IGBC Gold-rated green campus, showcasing excellence in renewable energy, water management, and resource-efficient systems.
• Code L – Achievement Award for Research & Development in Construction Domain
  Foram Bhavsarreceived the award for research on a climate-responsive origami-inspired façade system, integrating computational design and scalable prefabrication strategies.

This national recognition underscores Nirma University’s leadership in advancing sustainable, innovative, and socially responsive practices in the built environment sector.