International Conference Overview
The conference received an overwhelming response from researchers, academicians, and professionals across the fields of Architecture, Planning, and Design. A total of 105 abstracts were submitted, out of which 60 research papers were shortlisted and presented under six technical tracks .
Inaugural Ceremony
The conference was inaugurated by:
Chief Guest
Shri Keshav Varma (Retd. IAS)
Advisor of Urban Sector Improvement, Government of Uttar Pradesh
The conference was organized under the guidance of:
- Chief Patron: Dr. Manish Shah
- Hon’ble Vice Chancellor: Dr. Dinesh Awasthi
- Patron: Ar. Himanshu Thakker
- Convenor: Associate Professor Akansha Upadhyay
Valedictory Ceremony
The valedictory session was graced by the following Guests of Honour:
Guests of Honour
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Dr. Debolina Kundu
Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi -
Prof. Mark Watson
Indo-Australian Design Research Alliance
Keynote Speakers
The conference featured insightful keynote addresses by renowned experts and professionals:
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Ar. Keerti Shah
Founder, India Habitat Forum (INHAF) -
Ar. Parul Zaveri
Co-founder & Principal Architect, Abhikram -
Dr. Manvita Baradi
Founder & Director, Urban Management Centre
Their sessions enriched discussions on sustainable, inclusive, and context-responsive urban development.
Distinguished Dignitaries
The conference was also graced by eminent personalities from the Architecture, Planning, and Design fraternity:
- Mr. Harpal Dave – ACTP, Government of Gujarat
- Dr. Vatsal Patel – Former City Engineer, AMC
- Mr. Rajesh Rawal – Town Planning Officer
- Ms. Utpala Desai – Regional Convenor, INTACH
- Mr. Tejas Joshi – President, CREDAI
- Mr. Viral Shah – Secretary, CREDAI
- Mr. Hiral Doriwala – Town Planning Officer, TPVD
- Mr. Ashish Trambhadiya – Advisor, Heritage Cell, AMC
- Mr. Nirav Mahadevia – Senior Architect, CEPT
- Dr. C.N. Ray – Senior Former Professor, CEPT
- Mr. Harsh Goel – Director, INI Design
- Dr. Sheela Munshi – Former Senior Town Planner
- Ms. Manushi Bhatt – Professor, Faculty of Technology, CEPT
- Ms. Disha Pujara Majeethiya – Planner
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)
A major highlight of the conference was the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with reputed organizations to promote long-term collaboration in academics, research, and professional development.
Partner Organizations
- Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)
- Urban Management Centre (UMC)
- SAATH NGO
- Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
- Invincible NGO
- VAARSO Heritage Walk
- Urban Resilience Collaborative for Informal Sector
- India Habitat Forum (INHAF)
These collaborations aim to strengthen:
- Academic-industry partnerships
- Research opportunities
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Community engagement and urban development practices
Knowledge Partners
The conference also featured interactive stalls by two knowledge partners:
- Tarutium Global Edge
- Town Plan Map
These organizations contributed significantly toward enhancing interaction and communication with participants in the areas of urban development and data mapping.
Conference Publication
The conference marked the official launch of the Conference Abstract Proceedings with an ISBN Number . The publication serves as a valuable academic contribution to the fields of Architecture, Planning, and Design, promoting further research and scholarly discourse.
Conference Conclusion
The conference concluded with an award ceremony, memento distribution to knowledge partner representatives, and certificate distribution to participants and delegates. The event also recognized outstanding research contributions through the Best Paper Award , which included a cash prize of ₹3,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
ICMDCI 2026 achieved significant outcomes by strengthening the academia–industry–policy interface, promoting high-quality research dissemination across major urban themes, and enhancing institutional visibility at national and international levels. The conference also facilitated strategic collaborations through MoUs, increased opportunities for student engagement, internships, and research initiatives, and opened possibilities for future collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), for which a proposal has been submitted post-conference.
The conference successfully fulfilled its objective of fostering multidisciplinary dialogue on city identity and urban development, reinforcing LJK University’s commitment toward academic excellence, research innovation, and meaningful collaborations for sustainable and resilient urban futures.