NICMAR University of Construction Studies (NUCS), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Victoria University (VU), Melbourne, 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.
The programme, conducted from 24th November to 18th December 2025 at the NICMAR University campus in Hyderabad, brought together 14 students and three faculty members from Victoria University, Melbourne and 20 students from NICMAR University of Construction Studies Hyderabad, fostering meaningful academic exchange, experiential learning, and cross-cultural engagement.
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, inaugurated this programme. The initiative is a key outcome of the academic partnership between the two universities and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability education, global engagement, and industry-oriented learning.
A series of expert lectures, workshops, and hands-on sessions were delivered by faculty from both the institutions. Key sessions such as Pavement Design in the Indian Context and Australian Perspective, 4D Building Information Modelling (4D BIM), 3D Printing in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities, ESG were also presented.
Industry-oriented sessions further enriched the programme, including talks on Indian labour management, construction safety, and sustainability and ESG practices, delivered by academic and industry experts.
As part of the immersive and experiential programme, participants visited several landmark projects and facilities to understand real-world applications of climate-smart infrastructure, including, My Home Grava Project, CII – Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Centre, Hussain Sagar Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
These visits offered practical insights into sustainable construction, green building practices, and urban environmental management.
Cultural exchange was a key highlight of the programme, with visits to Golconda Fort, Charminar, Rashtrapati Nilayam, and Shilparamam Arts and Crafts Village. Language sessions in Hindi and Telugu, supported by students of NICMAR University of Construction Studies, enabled visiting students to engage more deeply with local culture.
A friendly cricket match between Victoria University and NICMAR University of Construction Studies and a vibrant cultural and talent show organised by students of NICMAR University of Construction Studies further strengthened camaraderie and showcased India’s cultural diversity.
These events enabled students to develop a strong understanding of climate-resilient infrastructure systems, gain comparative insights into Indian and Australian practices, and enhance their cross-cultural collaboration and professional competencies. It also reinforced long-term academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony on 17 December 2025, marking the successful completion of a unique international academic and cultural exchange.