47th Annual NASA Convention (2004): Theme – SRIJAN

The 47th Annual NASA Convention, held in 2004 at Madhav Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), Gwalior, was a celebration of creativity, culture, and heritage. The convention revolved around the theme “SRIJAN”, meaning creation, a concept that beautifully captures the essence of human innovation and expression.

Theme Inspiration

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The theme was introduced with an evocative quote by renowned architect Hasan Fathy:

“Culture springs from the roots, and seeps through to all the shoots, to leaf and flower and bud. From cells like green blood, it is released by rain showers as fragrance from the wet flowers to fill the air.”

These lines underline how culture originates from deep roots, nurtures growth, and manifests in vibrant forms that enrich society. Architecture, as a cultural expression, embodies this continuity—linking the past with the present and inspiring the future.

Understanding SRIJAN

At its core, SRIJAN emphasizes the journey of an idea. Every creative act begins with a vision, an image, or a spark that drives humanity to express thoughts and emotions. When nurtured, these ideas evolve into forms—whether in art, literature, music, or architecture—that embody the essence of a community’s culture and identity.

In architecture, SRIJAN represents this transformative process. It is the stage where ideas are carefully nurtured and eventually materialized into tangible spaces that reflect balance, harmony, rhythm, and the lifestyle of a region. Over time, these creations become heritage, symbolizing the shared memory and identity of people.

Architectural Heritage and Preservation

Every era and regime—native or foreign—has contributed to architectural heritage by developing distinctive styles suited to their traditions and ways of life. These styles collectively form a cultural repository that carries within it the values, aesthetics, and aspirations of different generations.

However, with modern interventions and rapid urbanization, much of this heritage faces the risk of erosion. The theme of SRIJAN serves as a reminder to young architects of their responsibility: to not only create but also to preserve. By understanding the rhythm and balance of traditional architecture, future generations can rediscover and recreate lost legacies while protecting cultural values from being overshadowed by the demands of modernity.

Relevance to the Budding Architects

For the budding architects of MITS and across India, the theme SRIJAN was both an inspiration and a call to action. It urged them to embrace creativity while respecting tradition. By saluting the architectural heritage of Gwalior and India as a whole, the convention encouraged students to engage deeply with the idea of cultural continuity—bridging the timeless wisdom of the past with the innovative possibilities of the present.

The 47th Annual NASA Convention’s theme, SRIJAN, was not merely about architectural creation but about nurturing ideas into meaningful expressions that resonate with culture and identity. It celebrated architecture as a living dialogue between heritage and modernity, urging young architects to protect, preserve, and perpetuate cultural values through thoughtful design.

In essence, SRIJAN symbolized the eternal human endeavor to create, preserve, and inspire—a theme that remains as relevant today as it was in 2004.