Architect Raj Rewal honoured with a Doctorate at GD Goenka University’s Chintan 2019 - Contemplating Built Environment

New Delhi: On 29th March 2019, Friday, GD Goenka University hosted a Special Convocation Ceremony at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Center, Lodi Road, New Delhi. Many notable guests were present at the occasion, some of whom were, Mrs. Kajaria and Mr. Nipun Goenka, MD, GD Goenka Group, Dr. Suku Bhaskaran, President, Dr. S. Shantha Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nitesh Bansal, Registrar, and Prof. Nirmal Kulkarni, Director, School of Architecture & Planning. The ceremony also saw many distinguished architects, Deans of Colleges and the students of Architecture.

  

The gathering at the ceremony also witnessed GD Goenka University award an Honorary Doctorate to architect Shri. Raj Rewal. The honour came his way for his outstanding contribution to post-Independence architecture in India. The striking contrast that is seen in his work with the traditional and contemporary concepts reflects his passion to blend the colours of history and heritage into the modern palette. He is also known for his experiments with humane architecture, climatic sensitivity and technologically sound craftsmanship which are seen in a wide range of residential and institutional buildings that he has worked on.

Shri Raj Rewal was also felicitated by the Indian Institute of Architects as one of the oldest members. The acting President, Council of Architecture, Shri Vijay Garg spoke about Shri Raj Rewal’s contribution to society through Architecture.

  

Shri Raj Rewal, in his acceptance speech, expressed sincere gratitude towards GD Goenka University for honouring his work by awarding him with the Doctorate. He also spoke about the importance of Architecture in India and society in general.

The focus of the discussion in the Special Convocation was “Contemporary Heritage - Is the meaning lost in translation”. After which, School of Architecture and Planning, GD Goenka University hosted a panel discussion which was titled “Chintan 2019 - Contemplating Built Environment”. Shri Raj Rewal is the architect of the now demolished Hall of Nations in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, whose insights added great value to the panel.

This event saw panellists from all over the country who are experts in the field. The status of the contemporary heritage was debated in two panels. The first panel named “Listings, Policy & Challenges” featured Durganand Balsavar as the moderator and the panel consisted of Raj Rewal, Kiran Joshi, Vikas Dilawari and Navin Piplani. The second panel was called “Philosophy, History & Identity” and had Narendra Dengle, Vinod Gupta, Sarover Zaidi, Biju Kuriakose, Rajeev Lochan as panel members and Nirmal Kulkarni as the moderator.

The students of the School of Architecture and Planning, GD Goenka University played a vital role in the success of the event as they maintained an air of professionalism and poise which helped the event go without any difficulties.