MIDAS proudly welcomes the third batch of students

CHENNAI, India - Aug. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Chennai, August 3, 2013 – MARG Institute of Design and Architecture, Swarnabhoomi (MIDAS), a niche institution for architecture education, addresses the global need for high quality architects and providing an experiential and Integrated Learning Environment, organized an orientation programme to welcome the third set of new batch students. MIDAS is affiliated to Anna University, Chennai and approved by Council of Architecture, New Delhi.  

This is an annual event organized before semester begins where the new B.Arch. students acclimatize themselves to the course curriculum and are also introduced to the faculty. Parents were also invited for this induction and orientation at MIDAS. The students were seemingly excited in beginning their new phase of college life in the lush green environs abound MIDAS at MARG Swarnabhoomi. Amid much fanfare the new students were welcomed at MIDAS.  Various dignitaries & speakers exhorted MIDAS students to critically think, reflect & research on the contemporary issues in Indian & Global infrastructure.  

The dignitaries present during the occasion included multifaceted and inspirational personalities like Major (Dr) Surendra Poonia – VSM, an international medal winning Indian sportsman, decorated Army Officer, para-commando, motivational speaker, fitness expert and a doctor, Srijan Pal Singh, IIM-(A) gold medalist, CEO, Global Care Organization & the co-author with Dr. Abdul Kalam of the bestselling book “Target 3 Billion” , T Chitty Babu, Executive Chairman, Akshaya Homes Pvt Ltd and Ajit Sharma, curator and host at TEDx – Jaipur & Founder & CEO - AWC Industries. Other speakers included GRK Reddy, CMD, MARG Group, Rajini Reddy, MD, Exemplarr Worldwide, Dr M K Padmanabhan, Senior Advisor, MARG Education Services and Prof Jaffer Khan, Director, MIDAS.

Srijan Pal Singh who has been roped in by MIDAS for an innovative project of creating sustainable habitats said that “I am involved in a project on Sustainable Habitats in rural areas through innovative experiments involving MIDAS students. Seeing the drive, innovation and creative focus of MIDAS students, I am sure that we will together be able to create a basic rural habitat plan that is scientifically designed and aesthetically improved ”.

GRK Reddy, CMD, MARG Group, who is the visionary force behind MIDAS said, "It is indeed a pleasure to see a new set of budding architects as the next batch at MIDAS. MIDAS has successfully carved a niche in Indian architecture education and has endeavored to re-define architecture education with a global perspective through slew of workshops & projects already planned for the academic year. With infrastructure and real estate being a critical element of our economic development, there will be ample scope for architects from MIDAS to make a mark for themselves. I wish the new batch a great action-packed, fun-filled learning experience at MIDAS.”  

In his welcome address to the students, Prof. Jaffer AA Khan, Director, MIDAS, introduced them the teaching pedagogy of MIDAS. The new set of students will pursue 5 years Bachelor Degree Program in Architecture (B.Arch - Architecture Studies).  Prof Khan opined as to how MIDAS has truly emerged as the nurturing ground for architecture based thought leadership & is now attracting the creamy layer of the students across the country through its innovative pedagogy which uniquely blends practical, industry-focused education in a 22.8 million sq. ft. live lab eco-system of MARG Swarnabhoomi.

Prof. Jaffer AA Khan, Director, MIDAS, added "I am extremely happy today to welcome the new set of students to our institution. Though we have a long way to go, it’s heartening that that MIDAS in a short span is already rated amongst the top architecture education institutes in Tamil Nadu & South India.  MIDAS will continue its focus to bring experts and extraordinary performers in the field of architecture to share their invaluable thoughts with the emerging minds. Students at MIDAS therefore get a deeper understanding of Art with a social context."

Major (Dr) Surendra Poonia, in a highly motivating speech said “My ultimate goal is public service – and I see many ways of achieving this. I am involved in various projects that raise awareness among young people about issues ranging from health and lifestyle, sports and fitness as well as topics like environmental awareness. I want such issues of social benefit and sustainability to be reflected in architectural works of MIDAS students.”

The other guests like T Chitty Babu, and Ajit Sharma appreciated students for choosing architecture as a field and appealed to the budding architects to preserve & promote cultural identity in architecture. They encouraged the students to make the most of the 1000 acre inclusive & sustainable eco-system at MARG Swarnabhoomi where MIDAS is housed . They also expressed happiness at the excellent facilities being provided at MIDAS viz. a well equipped library, a futuristic studio, large spacious classrooms plus audio and video learning support along with recreational & sports amenities like swimming pool, basket ball courts, multi-purpose sports ground, convenio store, 24 hours clinic and a gym.

About MIDAS:

MIDAS has been inaugurated in 2011 by renowned art director Thota Tharani & former Indian cricketer Robin Singh. It is one of the few schools in India to offer alternative career options to architecture students through an integrated curriculum and teaching methodology marked by international standards of delivery and assimilation. Besides, students are given ample opportunity to express their creativity at various platforms. It gives students a chance to interact with experts from the industry and other institutions across the globe. Located off the scenic East Coast Road, midway between Chennai and Puducherry, MIDAS is surrounded by heritage centers and architectural landmarks in Mahabalipuram, Puducherry and Kancheepuram, making it an ideal learning centre for architectural education.

MIDAS is nestled in a 22.9 million sq. ft live lab eco-system of MARG Swarnabhoomi, a first of its kind SMART integrated industrial and Services Township with a fast emerging 300 acre education cluster, the EduCity. Through this future built environment, students of MIDAS receive a first-hand industry interaction, opportunity for professional networking and the right career guidance to be employable.

MIDAS is currently in its third year of operation and has been critically acclaimed by architects and industry experts alike, for its industry linked pedagogy.