NICMAR University Hyderabad, Victoria University Conclude India Tour on Climate-Smart Infrastructure
Participants visited Golconda Fort, Charminar, Rashtrapati Nilayam and Shilparamam Arts and Crafts Village, gaining insight into India’s historical and cultural heritage.
Hyderabad, December 30: NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Victoria University (VU), Melbourne, has successfully concluded a three-week India Cultural and Technical Tour on Climate-Smart Sustainable Infrastructures, an international academic mobility programme supported by the Government of Australia under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Grant.
The programme was held from November 24 to December 18, 2025, at the NICMAR University campus in Hyderabad, and brought together 14 students and three faculty members from Victoria University along with 20 students from NICMAR University of Construction Studies, enabling intensive academic exchange, experiential learning and cross-cultural engagement.
Academic collaboration and leadership
The programme was inaugurated by vice-chancellor Shrikant Charhate, in the presence of senior university leadership and faculty coordinators R. Sathish Kumar and Arun Chandramohan. University officials said the initiative represents a key milestone in the academic partnership between the two institutions and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability-focused education, global exposure and industry-aligned learning.
Focus on climate-smart construction and ESG
Participants attended a series of expert lectures, workshops and hands-on sessions delivered by faculty from both universities. Key academic themes included pavement design in Indian and Australian contexts, 4D building information modelling (4D BIM), 3D printing in construction, urban planning and sustainable cities, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Industry-oriented sessions further strengthened the learning experience, with discussions on Indian labour management, construction safety and sustainability-driven project execution led by academic and industry experts.
Field visits and experiential learning
As part of the immersive curriculum, students visited several landmark projects and institutions to understand real-world applications of climate-resilient infrastructure. These included the My Home Grava Project, the CII–Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Centre, and the Hussain Sagar sewage treatment plant, offering practical exposure to green construction, sustainable urban systems and environmental management.
Cultural exchange at the core
Cultural engagement formed a central component of the programme. Participants visited Golconda Fort, Charminar, Rashtrapati Nilayam and Shilparamam Arts and Crafts Village, gaining insight into India’s historical and cultural heritage. Language sessions in Hindi and Telugu, supported by NICMAR students, enabled visiting students to interact more meaningfully with local communities.
A friendly cricket match between students of Victoria University and NICMAR University, along with a cultural and talent showcase organised by NICMAR students, further strengthened bonds and highlighted India’s cultural diversity.
Strengthening global academic ties
University officials said the programme enabled students to develop a deeper understanding of climate-resilient infrastructure systems, gain comparative insights into Indian and Australian practices, and enhance cross-cultural collaboration and professional competencies. The initiative is expected to reinforce long-term academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony on December 17, 2025, marking the successful completion of the international academic and cultural exchange.
