At SMVEC, the observance of World Habitat Day was marked by a series of events and activities aimed at promoting awareness and action towards sustainable urban development. The college’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) played a pivotal role in organizing these events, aligning with the institution’s commitment to quality education and community engagement.
A Symbolic Start to World Habitat Day
The ceremony was graced by esteemed faculty members, students, and guests who gathered to witness the inaugural event. As the lamp was lit, it served as a beacon of hope and a call to action, emphasizing the importance of creating adequate shelter and sustainable habitats for all. This aligns with the United Nations’ vision for World Habitat Day, which aims to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. S. Jayakumar, Controller of Examinations at SMVEC. He provided a brief outline of the importance of World Habitat Day and highlighted how this global celebration aims to raise awareness about the critical need for sustainable urban development, adequate housing, and environmental preservation. He emphasized the 2024 theme and discussed how involving young people in sustainable practices is essential for addressing the pressing challenges facing urban areas today, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality.
Honoring Urban Visionaries
As part of the World Habitat Day celebrations at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC), Dr. S. Jayakumar, Controller of Examinations and Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, honored Mr. S. Sridarane, Senior Town Planner from the Town and Country Planning Department, Puducherry.
Mr. S. Sridarane delivered an insightful speech emphasizing the vital role of youth in addressing today’s urban challenges. He encouraged students to view themselves as active participants in shaping their cities, stating that young minds bring fresh ideas capable of driving transformative change in urban environments.
Highlighting the issue of rapid urbanization, he pointed out that many cities face significant population growth, leading to overcrowded living conditions. To tackle this, he urged students to think creatively about designing urban spaces that accommodate this growth while maintaining a high quality of life.
Furthermore, he placed a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, urging future architects and urban planners to incorporate green architecture and sustainable practices into their work. In elaborating on sustainable urban design, he encouraged students to include essential elements like parks, community gardens, and recreational spaces in their projects, explaining how these green spaces not only enhance urban aesthetics but also promote biodiversity and improve residents’ mental and physical well-being. His speech left students with a powerful message: that sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven urban design is essential for creating vibrant and livable cities.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. S. Sundararaman, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, who thanked all the dignitaries, faculty, supporting staff, and beloved students for making the event a grand success.
