Speakers call for youth participation in development of temples, heritage activities

Renowned sthapathy D.N.S. Prasad, architecture expert Emani Sivanagi Reddy and IGNCA Regional Director K.T.V. Raghavan look at the sculptures at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture (SVITSA), in Tirupati on Saturday. | Photo Credit: K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR

Speakers at the lecture conducted by architecture experts here on Saturday saw a greater scope for cultural renaissance and the involvement of youth in development of temples and heritage-related activities.

The fifth in the series of lectures on temple architecture was organised by the Tirupati Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), functioning under the union Ministry of culture, in association with the TTD’s Sri Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture (SVITSA) for the benefit of its students.

D.N.V. Prasad, the chief sthapathy (sculptor) who designed and created the ‘Statue of Equality’ at Hyderabad, delivered a lecture on the conceptualisation, planning and execution of the magnificent statue dedicated to Sri Ramanujacharya.

He explained the vision behind the monument and the process involved in transforming the concept into reality. He also elaborated on the architectural planning, selection and use of materials, sculptural design, technical specifications and various challenges encountered during its execution.

The chief sculptor, who is an alumnus of the institute, highlighted the need for coordination between traditional artisans, sthapathis, architects and technical experts to glorify India’s age-old craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge systems by integrating it with modern engineering technologies.

Emani Sivanagi Reddy, senior archaeologist and sthapati, highlighted the historical, archaeological and architectural significance of India’s traditional monuments and emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and traditional craftsmanship.

K.T.V. Raghavan, Regional Director, IGNCA Regional Centre, Tirupati, said the centre was committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage, particularly traditional temple architecture and sculptural practices.

SVITSA principal Venkata Reddy, explained his institution’s role in promoting traditional sculpture and indigenous artistic practices.

Published - October 31, 2026 08:36 pm IST