KALA Annual Day on Oct 28: Padmashri award winner G Shankar to be chief guest (Book Tickets)

By A Staff Reporter

LONDON Sept 19: Prominent arts organisation in the UK, KALA, will hold its annual day on October 28, 2023 from 3pm to 10pm at Berkhamsted School Cenetenary Theatre Kings Road Campus Berkhamsted HP4 4BG.

Padma Shri award winner and founder & Chairman of Habitat Techonology Group Dr G. Shankar is the chief guest who is the winner of the KALA Puraskaram. This will be followed by Samavesha, a sensitive exploration of the third gender characters from the epic Mahabharatha.

A refined dance theatre experience will be provided by Guests of Honour for the day N Srikanth and Aswathy Nair, daughter and son in law of noted write Vasudevan Nair and Kalamandalam Saraswathy.

This will be followed by the release of Palmleaf annual magazine, KALA youth play, KALA Narmavedhi comedy skit, songs by KALA in-house talents, dinner and more.

In the world of architecture and sustainable building practices, Dr. G. Shankar stands as a pioneer and a visionary. Known as the ‘people’s architect,’ he has dedicated his life to transforming the housing sector in India through innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective interventions. As a testament to his contributions, Dr. Shankar has been invited as the Chief Guest at the “Kala Annual Day 2023,” organized by the Kerala Arts and Literary Association (UK).

This 27th Annual Day event, scheduled for the 18th of October 2023 at the prestigious venue in Berkhamsted, promises to be a celebration of art, literature, and the remarkable impact of sustainable architecture.

A Pioneer in Sustainable Housing:

Dr. G. Shankar is the founder of ‘Habitat Technology Group,’ the largest non-profit initiative in South Asia dedicated to the shelter sector. With a team of 400 professionals and 40,000 trained workers, he has revolutionized the concept of sustainable housing. Over the years, Habitat Technology Group has extended its reach to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria, making a profound impact in each of these regions.

The Visionary’s Achievements:

Dr. Shankar’s legacy is built upon over 100,000 individual houses, mass housing units, and extensive training programs for professionals. His contributions extend beyond the architectural realm, encompassing disaster mitigation, environmental initiatives, gender sensitivity, and more. In recognition of his outstanding work, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2011, a testament to his dedication to people-centric and sustainable architecture.

A Champion of Disaster-Resistant Architecture:

Dr. Shankar’s expertise in disaster-resilient architecture has been invaluable during crises. From the Bhopal gas leak tragedy to earthquakes and tsunamis, he has played a pivotal role in rehabilitation and resettlement efforts. His work in disaster-stricken regions, such as Latur, Uttarkashi, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Sri Lanka, has helped thousands rebuild their lives.

Promoting Sustainable Practices:

One of Dr. Shankar’s enduring contributions is his commitment to promoting sustainable building materials and techniques. He emphasizes the use of locally available materials like earth, bamboo, and lime, aligning his designs with the socio-cultural context of the communities he serves. His philosophy of inclusive, green, and sustainable architecture has transformed lives and improved social mobility for marginalized sections of society.

Recognitions and Awards:

Dr. Shankar’s exceptional work has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri. He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to sustainable architecture, education, housing, social improvement, and disaster mitigation.

The Architect of Change:

Dr. G. Shankar’s dedication to people-centric architecture has not only reshaped skylines but also empowered communities. His advocacy for eco-sensitive, energy-efficient building technologies and Habitat literacy has created a lasting impact. Under his leadership, Habitat Technology Group continues to thrive, making significant strides in the non-profit shelter sector.