National Institute of Technology

May 26, 2023

NIT Calicut signs MoU with Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA)

Marking the beginning of a series of initiatives focusing on building spatial planning capacity through democratic processes within Local Governments, the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) on Friday, 26th May 2023. The collaboration is focused on developing a comprehensive strategy linking academics, research, and partnerships for community development initiatives. It is envisaged to achieve this by engaging students’ academics and policymakers through collaborative projects that can institutionalise innovation in policy, practice and pedagogy in Kerala. This MoU is being signed at a time when the Government of Kerala has decided to give focus to planned urbanisation through a comprehensive urban policy, risk-informed Master Plans, spatial strategies at various scales, integration of digital technologies and design thinking to make planning and place governance more agile and collaborative. The MoU also stresses further activities like conducting a series of joint courses, organising Urban dialogues by global experts, conducting an Annual Kerala Urban Research Conference etc. It also relies on engaging citizens to the mainstream planning processes through organising Citizen Planning Schools democratising place-based design strategies and joint research and capacity development initiatives in Kerala. Speaking on the occasion both Dr. Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA and Prof. Priya Chandran, NITC Director-in-charge expressed eagerness to showcase the shared strength of both the institutions to support Kerala’s development as a sustainable and liveable society. Prof. A K Kasthurba, Head of the Department of Architecture and Planning, NITC, delivered the welcome address.

The collaboration is the outcome of the concerted efforts of the Department of Architecture and Planning and the Centre for Industry-Institutional Relations (CIIR) of NITC. Having secured the national second spot in the all India NIRF ranking in Architecture and Planning, NITC has great intellectual and institutional strength to offer the required knowledge and skills to all these initiatives.

The MoU, signed by CDR (Dr) M S Shamasundara, Registrar, NIT Calicut and Dr Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA, signifies a historic moment in developing a strong academic connection to the capacity-building programmes in Kerala and other states. The MoU marks a steady growth for both institutions, which are partnering with national and international organisations strengthening their focus on multi-disciplinary initiatives and transferring academic research to practical applications. Dr. Mohammed Firoz and Dr. Jose Mathew from NITC and Dr. Ajith Kaliyath from KILA will act as the Nodal Officers. Dr. Deepthi Bendi and Dr. Mohammed Firoz from NITC and Dr. Ajith Kaliyath from KILA presented the future plan of action in the event.

NITC Director-in-charge, Prof Priya Chandran (centre), along with Dr Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA (left), and CDR(Dr) M S Shamasundara, Registrar, NITC, with the MoU agreement. Prof Ajith Kaliyath, Urban Chair Professor, KILA, Prof. Kasthurba A K, HoD, Architecture, NITC and Dr Jose Mathew, Chairperson, Centre for Industry-Institutional Relations, NITC, and the faculty members of the Department of Architecture and Planning are also seen.

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