Schooling and skilling must go together: Venkaiah

Interacting with the students of the Government Architecture and Sculpture College in Mahabalipuram about 55 km from here, he urged them to safeguardand promote the rich culture and heritage of the country.

Calling upon the architects and town planners to keep conservation and sustainability at the core of all their plans, he wanted them to amalgamate tradition and technology to improve the built environment and also work towards sustainable development.

Exhorting the students to strive to safeguard and promote the invaluable culture and heritage of the country, Naidu urged them to blend traditional wisdom with modern science, in their respective disciplines.Talking about the world heritage site Mahabalipuram, he said the place stands testimony to India’s great heritage.

Noting that there could not be a better place for an Architecture and Sculpture College to be located, he said one could not only see the great diversity of architecture, but also see its evolution in these monuments.

Stressing the need to promote eco-friendly green buildings, Naidu urged all professionals involved in designing newbuildings to take full advantage of digital technology to build ‘smart buildings’ with automated operations.

Stating that sculpture was one of the best art forms to express Indian culture, Naidu stressed the urgent need to recognise and promote the inherent skills hidden in youth and suggested incorporating skilling as an essential part of the education system.

“Schooling and Skilling Must go together,” he said, while appreciating the Mahabalipuram sculptors. He lauded the exceptional skills of the sculptors and their ability to replicate complex pieces of art of Pallava era.

“Immensely happy to have seen the work done by students of the Architecture and Sculpture College. A visit to this center of excellence in art and architecture makes me feel rejuvenated,” he added.During his visit, the Vice President also unveiled the statue of Saint poet and philosopher Tiruvalluvar on the campus.