Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the 35th JK Architect of the Year Awards in Guwahati. Describing architecture as the language of civilization, he highlighted the rich heritage of India and Assam and also discussed the future challenges.
Guwahati (Assam) [भारत]July 16 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the 35th JK Architect of the Year Awards 2026 at a function held in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Congratulating the awardees from India and neighboring countries and lauding the JK organization for creating one of India’s most respected platforms to recognize excellence in architecture over the last three and a half decades, Chief Minister Sarma described the event as a celebration of excellence, innovation and sustainable design in architecture. He said that the participation of architects from across the country and outside has transformed this awards ceremony into an international platform that promotes creativity, professional excellence and cross-border collaboration.
Architecture is the enduring language of civilization.
He further stated that architecture is more than building impressive structures, describing it as an enduring expression of civilization itself. The Chief Minister said, “Long after the creators of a civilization are gone to history, the monuments built by them continue to tell the story of their era. Architecture becomes the enduring language through which history speaks to the future.” He appreciated the JK organization for promoting architectural excellence, innovation and knowledge through the JK Architect of the Year Awards.
India’s rich architectural heritage
Highlighting India’s rich architectural heritage, Chief Minister Sarma said the country’s architectural traditions reflect an extraordinary continuity of knowledge, craftsmanship and artistic excellence, from the planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilization to the rock-cut caves, majestic forts, monasteries and iconic stepwells of India, the temples of Ajanta and Ellora. He said that although the architectural traditions in Asia and Africa differ in form and style, they are united by a shared commitment to enrich human life and preserve cultural memory, which underlines the enduring relevance of India’s traditional architectural philosophies. Referring to the principles of Vaastu Shastra, he said Indian architecture has historically emphasized harmony between built spaces, nature and human life through climate-responsive design, natural light, ventilation and environmental sensitivity. He added that these timeless principles continue to influence sustainable architectural practices around the world.
Architectural heritage of Assam
Speaking on the architectural heritage of Assam, Sarma highlighted the engineering excellence and artistic achievements of the Ahom dynasty, citing sites such as the Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Namdang Stone Bridge, the temple complex of Sivasagar and the iconic Kamakhya Temple. He further said that the designation of Charaideo Maidam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has brought global recognition to the unique funerary architecture of Assam and the rich civilizational heritage of the Tai Ahom people.
Modern Challenges and Development of Assam
On the changing role of architecture in the twenty-first century, the Chief Minister said that today’s architects must respond to emerging global challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, technological disruption and increasing pressure on natural resources. He stressed that architecture should prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, climate-responsive design and healthy living environments, as well as take advantage of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and advanced materials. Showcasing the contemporary development of Assam, he said the state is consciously creating a new architectural identity that harmoniously integrates functionality, aesthetics, technological innovation, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
He also cited the new terminal of the popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, recently recognized by the Prix Versailles as one of the world’s most beautiful airports, as a notable example of this approach. He also referred to the new Assam Legislative Assembly building, the recently inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Verma Setu that connects Guwahati and North Guwahati, and several new medical colleges, universities and convention facilities as symbols of Assam’s ongoing transformation. Calling upon architects to take the lead towards creating humane, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities, Sarma expressed confidence that platforms like the JK Architect of the Year Awards will continue to strengthen the dialogue, foster innovation and inspire future generations of architects around the world. JK Cement CMD Raghupati Singhania and Vice Chairman Nidhipati Singhania were also present in this program. (ANI)
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