NICMAR University of Construction Studies Hyderabad and Victoria University Conclude India Cultural and Technical Tour on Climate-Smart Sustainable Infrastructures
Hyderabad, Jan 01: NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Victoria University (VU), Melbourne, has successfully concluded the India Cultural and Technical Tour on Climate-Smart Sustainable Infrastructures, a three-week international academic and cultural mobility programme supported by the Government of Australia under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Grant.
Conducted from November 24 to December 18, 2025, at the NICMAR University campus in Hyderabad, the programme brought together 14 students and three faculty members from Victoria University and 20 students from NICMAR University of Construction Studies, Hyderabad, fostering meaningful academic exchange, experiential learning, and cross-cultural engagement.
The programme was inaugurated by the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Shrikant Charhate, in the presence of university leadership and faculty coordinators Prof. Dr. R. Sathish Kumar and Prof. Dr. Arun Chandramohan. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the academic partnership between the two institutions and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability education, global engagement, and industry-oriented learning.
Participants engaged in a series of expert lectures, workshops, and hands-on sessions delivered by faculty from both universities. Key academic modules included Pavement Design in the 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 enriched the learning experience, featuring insights into Indian labour management systems, construction safety protocols, and sustainability and ESG frameworks, delivered by leading academic and industry experts.
As part of the immersive learning approach, participants visited prominent infrastructure and sustainability projects, including the My Home Grava Project, CII – Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Centre, and the Hussain Sagar Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). These site visits provided practical exposure to sustainable construction techniques, green building practices, and urban environmental management systems.
Cultural exchange formed a core component of the programme. Students explored Hyderabad’s heritage through visits to Golconda Fort, Charminar, Rashtrapati Nilayam, and Shilparamam Arts and Crafts Village. Language orientation sessions in Hindi and Telugu, supported by NICMAR University students, enabled visiting participants to engage more deeply with local communities and culture.
Interactive activities, including a friendly cricket match between Victoria University and NICMAR University of Construction Studies and a student-led cultural and talent showcase, fostered camaraderie and celebrated India’s cultural diversity.
The programme enabled students to develop a comprehensive understanding of climate-resilient infrastructure systems, gain comparative insights into Indian and Australian practices, and strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and professional competencies, while reinforcing long-term academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The initiative concluded with a valedictory ceremony on December 17, 2025, marking the successful completion of a unique international academic and cultural exchange programme.