Mumbai, March 19, 2025: The Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Architecture (VESCOA) placed student creativity at the forefront of the 3rd Hashu Advani Memorial Lecture (HAML), held at its Chembur campus in Mumbai. This year’s event, themed “Ekistics, Life, Nature, and Practice,” not only brought together leading architects and urban planners but also highlighted the innovative perspectives of VESCOA’s students through immersive art installations and a Virtual Reality Exhibition.
As part of the ongoing 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Shri Hashu Advani Ji, students and faculty, under the guidance of Principal Dr. Prof. Anand Achari, unveiled three remarkable installations. Mosaic Art paid tribute to Advani Ji’s vision of unity, while Thread Art symbolized his perseverance and commitment. A standout addition was the Virtual Reality Exhibition, “Unveiling Stories & Values of Hashu Advani Ji – through a Virtual Reality Experience,” which offered an interactive exploration of his legacy, allowing attendees to engage with history through technology.
Complementing these initiatives, the event featured thought-provoking discussions. Dr. Ramanath Jha, Guest of Honor, addressed municipal leadership reforms in India, advocating for stronger governance structures. Chief Guest Ar. Narendra Dengle explored “Ekistics and the Fragmentation of Life,” urging architects to integrate nature into design for a more holistic approach to urban living.
Prof. Harshad Bhatia, Design Chair at VESCOA, provided insights into Ekistics and its role in shaping urban settlements. The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Prof. Ar. Akhtar Chauhan, where experts emphasized the growing need for architects to influence urban policy-making.
“At VESCOA, we believe that architectural education extends beyond classrooms. Through research, live projects, and creative expressions like these installations, our students actively engage with societal challenges,” said Dr. Prof. Anand Achari, Principal of VESCOA.
