Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 16 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented the 35th JK Architect of the Year Awards 2026 at a function held in Guwahati.
Congratulating the award recipients from India and neighbouring countries and applauding the JK Organisation for creating one of India's most respected platforms for recognising excellence in architecture over the past three and a half decades, Chief Minister Sarma described the event as a celebration of architectural excellence, innovation and sustainable design.
He said that the participation of architects from across the country and outside has transformed the award ceremony into an international platform that promotes creativity, professional excellence and cross-border collaboration.
He further said that architecture is far more than the creation of impressive structures, describing it as a lasting expression of civilisation itself.
"Long after the builders of a civilisation have passed into history, the monuments they created continue to narrate the story of their age. Architecture becomes the enduring language through which history speaks to the future," the Chief Minister said.
He commended the JK Organisation for promoting architectural excellence, innovation and knowledge through the JK Architect of the Year Awards.
Highlighting India's rich architectural heritage, CM Sarma said the country's architectural traditions reflect an extraordinary continuum of knowledge, craftsmanship and artistic excellence from the planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation to the temples of India, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora, majestic forts, monasteries and iconic stepwells.
He added that while architectural traditions across Asia and Africa differ in form and style, they are united by a shared commitment to enriching human life and preserving cultural memory, underlining the enduring relevance of India's traditional architectural philosophy.
Referring to the principles of Vastu Shastra, he said that Indian architecture has historically emphasised harmony between built spaces, nature and human life through climate-responsive design, natural lighting, ventilation and environmental sensitivity.
Observing that these timeless principles continue to influence sustainable architectural practices across the world.
Speaking on Assam's architectural legacy, Sarma highlighted the engineering excellence and artistic achievements of the Ahom dynasty, citing landmarks such as Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, the Namdang Stone Bridge, the temple complexes of Sivasagar and the iconic Kamakhya Temple.
He further observed that the inscription of the Charaideo Maidams as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has brought global recognition to Assam's unique funerary architecture and the rich civilisational legacy of the Tai Ahom people.
On the changing role of architecture in the twenty-first century, the Chief Minister said architects today must respond to emerging global challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, technological disruption and increasing pressure on natural resources.
He stressed that architecture must prioritise energy efficiency, water conservation, climate-responsive design and healthier living environments while leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and advanced materials.
Showcasing Assam's contemporary development, he said the State is consciously building a new architectural identity that harmoniously integrates functionality, aesthetics, technological innovation, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
He also cited the new terminal of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, recently recognised among the World's Most Beautiful Airports by Prix Versailles, as a notable example of this vision. He also referred to the new Assam Legislative Assembly building, the recently inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati, and several new medical colleges, universities and convention facilities as symbols of Assam's ongoing transformation.
Calling upon architects to lead the way towards creating humane, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities, Sarma expressed confidence that platforms such as the JK Architect of the Year Awards would continue to strengthen dialogue, foster innovation and inspire future generations of architects across the world.
JK Cement CMD Raghupati Singhania and Vice Chairman Nidhipati Singhania were also present at the event.