Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio releases the Silver Jubilee Magazine of the Association of Nagaland Architects along with Association President Apokla Jamir at the JP Park & Banquets, Naga United Village Chümoukedima on October 25.
Association of Nagaland Architects celebrates silver jubilee
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | October 25
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today tasked the Association of Nagaland Architects (ANA) to take the lead in developing earthquake-resilient and affordable housing models for the state.
Speaking at the ANA’s Silver Jubilee celebration held at JP Park & Banquets, Naga United Village Chümoukedima, he said the need for safe and inclusive housing must be treated as a social imperative and a professional responsibility.
Reiterating Nagaland’s location in Earthquake Zone V, CM Rio reminded that the state’s seismic vulnerability “is not a statistic in a manual; it is a reality that governs our lives” and upon architects to go beyond routine compliance and be at the forefront of innovation.
The innovative solutions, CM Rio insisted, must be not only aesthetically pleasing, but are fundamentally, uncompromisingly safe.
“Your designs must be our first line of defence, a shield for our people,” he told the confluence of the architects from Nagaland and beyond.
The Chief Minister also asserted that “safe and dignified home is the right of every citizen and urged ANA to explore ways to innovate with local materials, design modular, affordable, yet earthquake-resistant homes, and create models that can be replicated across the villages and towns.
This need for low-cost housing solutions is critical social imperative, he said, adding that such efforts would not only enhance safety but also “bring about transformative social change” especially in light of the state’s hilly terrain and limited economic resources.
CM Rio further observed that the construction sector remains one of the largest sources of employment in Nagaland, and urged architects to extend their leadership beyond design and planning.
“I call upon ANA and its members to take a lead role in encouraging and training our local people,” he said, noting that empowerment of local masons, engineers, and artisans construct careers and strengthen the economy.
These tasks, CM Rio said, were dual responsibility of ANA - a challenge as well as an opportunity.
‘Custodians of culture’
Commending the Association’s 25-year journey, Rio described architects as “custodians of our heritage, interpreters of our culture, and visionaries of our future.” He said their advocacy for a resilient and sustainable built environment “aligns perfectly with the government’s vision for a prosperous and responsible Nagaland.”
He also paid tribute to the founders of ANA, recalling that in 2000, a small group of registered architects led by the late Kedayhu Kent as president and Chenithung as vice-president “shared not just common concerns, but a common dream — to elevate the practice of architecture in Nagaland.”
NA has grown into a professional body of over 120 members serving as policymakers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs, he said.
Sustainability, collaboration, and support
Welcoming the gathering including representatives from state of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Mizoram as well as Chitra Vishwanath, Principal Architect and founder Biome Environmental Solutions, Bengaluru, CM Rio said her work has inspired a generation to build in harmony with nature and the State is eager to learn from her as it navigates its own unique developmental path.
The CM assured continued government partnership, terming them as partners in development, not as regulators. “We committed to creating an ecosystem where your professional excellence can thrive, where your ethical standards are upheld, and where your welfare is safeguarded.”
ANA President Apokla Jamir noted that the milestone was about embracing the present and stepping into the future with hope and purpose, while reflecting on the legacy and contributions that architects are making to society.
Medozho Zhango observed that projects are often drafted hastily, leading to “quality problems,” particularly within government departments. To this end, he stressed that design requires time and urged the Government to provide space for young architects to explore ideas through various avenues. He also called for design solutions that are functional, creative, and enjoyable.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up for the occasion and released the Jubilee Magazine.
In the ‘A Tribute in Remembrance’ segment, the contribution of Late C Yangtsüshan Murry, the first Naga architect, was honoured.
The second session included a keynote address by Vishwanath, followed by a discussion hour.
