Event Overview
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) hosted the Council of Architecture (CoA) National Awards 2026, a two‑day event that gathered emerging architectural talent from across India. The inaugural ceremony and exhibition were launched on 8 October 2026 at the MUJ campus.
Participants and Dignitaries
The inauguration was attended by senior CoA officials: Ar. Naveen Kanithi, Vice President of CoA; Shri Deepak Kumar, Registrar of CoA; Ar. Jayashree Deshpande, Director, CoA‑TRC and Convenor; and Ar. Bhavna Vimawala, Member of CoA. Representing MUJ were Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Pro‑President; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; Prof. (Dr.) Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology (FoSTA); Prof. (Dr.) Madhura Yadav, Dean, Department of Social Work (DSW); and Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar, Director, School of Architecture & Design, along with faculty members and 220 student participants from MUJ and other architecture institutions nationwide.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition showcased outstanding architectural thesis projects curated by MUJ faculty and students, highlighting innovative design thinking, contextual sensitivity, sustainability, and contemporary approaches to the built environment. It provided a platform for young architects to display academic explorations, exchange ideas, and engage with distinguished professionals and academicians. The event also emphasized the evolving role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in architectural education while reaffirming the importance of critical thinking, creativity, contextual understanding, and empathy in design.
Statements from MUJ Leadership
Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar welcomed the dignitaries, noting that the university’s world‑class infrastructure and academic environment offered an ideal setting for a national‑level event and enabled participants to showcase and explore their creative and academic potential. Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, in his presidential address, highlighted MUJ’s achievements in research, academic excellence, and global rankings, thanked the School of Architecture and Design for its efforts, and expressed gratitude to the Council of Architecture for selecting MUJ as the venue.
Press Briefing and Vision
Prof (Ar) Kiran S Mahajani addressed the press briefing, explaining the CoA awards process, selection, and evaluation criteria. He emphasized creating platforms that promote efficiency in the built environment at both urban and rural levels. The School of Architecture & Design reiterated its vision of being “locally invested but globally relevant,” stressing the need to prepare future architects rooted in cultural and environmental contexts while equipped to tackle emerging global challenges.
Jury Proceedings and Awards
The jury proceedings and award ceremony are scheduled for 9 October 2026, marking the culmination of the two‑day event and recognizing outstanding student achievements in architectural education. A press conference was presided over by the Council of Architecture at The Lalit Jaipur, attended by the President of CoA, the Executive Committee of CoA, and the convenors and coordinators from both CoA and MUJ.
Acknowledgements
The School of Architecture & Design extended gratitude to Dr. N. N. Sharma, President of Manipal University Jaipur, for his support and encouragement in making the event possible.