IIA Pune Centre installs new executive committee

Pune, October 26, 2026: The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Pune Centre, installed its new executive committee at ‘IMPRINT’, a ceremony held at JW Marriott, Pune, on Saturday. The event brought together members of the architectural fraternity and representatives of the IIA’s national and Maharashtra leadership to mark the beginning of the new committee’s tenure and encourage professional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by chief guest Ar. Jitendra Mehta, President of IIA; guest of honour Ar. Sandeep Bawdekar, Joint Honorary Secretary of IIA; Ar. Vikas Achalkar, Joint Honorary Secretary of the IIA Maharashtra Chapter; and Ar. Shitesh Agrawal, Chairperson of IIA Pune Centre.

The guests and representatives of the IIA’s national and Maharashtra chapters were felicitated during the opening session. Ar. Shitesh Agrawal felicitated Ar. Jitendra Mehta and Ar. Sandeep Bawdekar, while Ar. Shailesh Dandane, Vice-Chairperson of IIA Pune Centre, felicitated Ar. Vikas Achalkar. Ar. Amit Khivansara felicitated Ar. Mangesh Gotal, Executive Committee Member of the IIA Maharashtra Chapter, while Ar. Milind Panchal felicitated Ar. Parag Deshpande, also an Executive Committee Member of the IIA Maharashtra Chapter.

Addressing the gathering, Ar. Vikas Achalkar, who served as the immediate past chairman of IIA Pune Centre, outlined the centre’s journey during his tenure. He also introduced Ar. Sandeep Bawdekar and Ar. Jitendra Mehta, who addressed the gathering ahead of the formal installation of the incoming committee.

The new executive committee was installed by Ar. Jitendra Mehta, Ar. Sandeep Bawdekar and Ar. Vikas Achalkar. Ar. Shitesh Agrawal took over as chairperson, with Ar. Shailesh Dandane as vice-chairperson, Ar. Amit Khivansara as honorary treasurer and Ar. Milind Panchal as honorary secretary.

The committee members are Ar. Jitendra Thakkar, Ar. Rina Salvi, Ar. Vishal Jadhav, Ar. Mahesh Bangad and Ar. Surabhi Gadkari. The sub-committee members are Ar. Vivek Garode, Ar. Amol Hatkar, Ar. Anupama Seth, Ar. Kapil Jain, Ar. Pranali Agrawal, Ar. Vaidehi Lavand, Ar. Yamini Deshmukh, Ar. Pranay Ranka, Ar. Prabodh Anjal and Ar. Piyush Kalwane.

Following the installation, Ar. Shitesh Agrawal addressed the gathering, marking the commencement of the new committee’s tenure. The programme also featured presentations by representatives of the event’s sponsors, including Zydex, Barrisol, Somany, Pare and ASAI Windows. The presentations highlighted the role of industry partnerships in supporting professional initiatives and platforms for the architectural community.

The concluding session featured a keynote address by Danish architect Ar. Stig Gothelf. He was introduced and felicitated by Ar. Jitendra Mehta, Ar. Shitesh Agrawal and Ar. Vikas Achalkar. Ar. Stig Gothelf and Ar. Jitendra Mehta also felicitated the five event sponsors in recognition of their support.

Gothelf delivered a 40-minute keynote presentation that brought an international perspective to discussions on architecture and provided an opportunity for professional exchange among the attending architects. His address was the key knowledge-sharing component of the event.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Ar. Shailesh Dandane, who acknowledged the dignitaries, members of the architectural fraternity, sponsors and the organising team. The ‘IMPRINT’ installation ceremony marked the formal transition of leadership at IIA Pune Centre, with the new committee taking charge amid an emphasis on professional collaboration, exchange of ideas and collective participation in advancing architectural practice in Pune.