NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has nominated Ashok Kumar Mittal, educationist and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), as a Member of the Council of Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPA).
This nomination comes as part of a regular vacancy, underscoring Mittal’s contributions to the fields of education and urban development.
The Council of Schools of Planning and Architecture is a prestigious body responsible for guiding and overseeing the direction of architectural education in India.
The SPAs, established through an Act of Parliament, are recognized as Institutions of National Importance, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of planning and architecture in the country.
Currently, there are three SPAs in India, located in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada. These institutions are renowned for offering comprehensive and advanced training in various disciplines related to human habitat and the environment.
Expressing his gratitude for the nomination, Ashok Kumar Mittal, founder and Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), highlighted the significance of his new role.
He stated, “It is a great privilege for me to serve as a member of the SPA Council. I am committed to fostering innovation and excellence in education, ensuring a brighter future for the youth of our nation through strategic urban planning and visionary programs. Urban planning and design assume immense importance given the rise in urbanization and urban migration.”
Mittal’s appointment to the SPA Council is a reflection of his long-standing dedication to education and his visionary approach to urban planning.
His involvement in the Council is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, particularly in the context of India’s rapidly changing urban landscape.
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His commitment to education, as demonstrated by his leadership at Lovely Professional University, aligns perfectly with the goals of the SPA, which are to promote excellence in architectural education and to address the evolving needs of urban and rural planning in India.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the SPA Council extended his warm congratulations to Mittal on his nomination.
He acknowledged Mittal’s significant contributions to education and expressed confidence that his expertise will greatly benefit the SPA Council.
Pradhan also emphasized the importance of strategic urban planning and design in shaping the future of India’s cities and towns, a vision that Mittal shares wholeheartedly.
The Schools of Planning and Architecture in India are key institutions dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of urbanization and environmental sustainability.
They offer specialized education in architecture, planning, and design, equipping students with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing world.
Mittal’s inclusion in the Council is expected to further strengthen the SPA’s mission and enhance its impact on the future of architectural education and urban planning in India.