On 21st July 2025, the BTech 2025–2029 orientation programme featured an enlightening session titled “Tradition by Design” at the Kalam Centre Seminar Hall The session was delivered by Kadamanitta Sreekumar, Faculty at Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, who shared profound insights into the intersection of tradition, design, and modern engineering practices Mr Sreekumar emphasised the importance of understanding India’s rich heritage in architecture and design, particularly the principles of Vasthuvidya He explained how traditional wisdom, when combined with modern engineering techniques, can lead to sustainable and culturally relevant solutions Through examples from heritage structures and indigenous practices, he illustrated the timeless relevance of traditional design principles in addressing present-day challenges such as energy efficiency, climate responsiveness, and eco-friendly construction The session encouraged students to appreciate their cultural roots while embracing innovation, reminding them that true engineering excellence lies in blending the old with the new He also highlighted the role of values, ethics, and holistic perspectives in design, stressing that engineering should serve both humanity and the environment Students found the session thought-provoking, as it broadened their understanding of design beyond functionality, encouraging them to view engineering as a discipline deeply connected to culture, sustainability, and human well-being
