Focus on developing a whole green infrastructure : Dr Ken Yeang
Renowned sustainable architect Dr. Ken Yeang at BEADS/BIT
Mangaluru : "Architects should not limit themselves to building only a green building but focus on developing a whole green infrastructure in the city " said world renowned architect , planner and author Dr. Ken Yeang of Malaysia. Dr Ken, who is recognised as the first and only ecologist architect globally was delivering a talk at the Bearys Enviro Architecture Design School (BEADS) and Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT) at Inoli on Sunday.
Dr Ken gave a presentation on ‘Sustainability and building in harmony with the natural world” and explained briefly how he has worked on some of his most important projects across the world. He stressed the need to understand the importance of ecological architecture and masterplanning and creating hybrid systems as ‘constructed ecosystems’.
When asked about the economic feasibility of sustainable construction, Dr Ken said it will cost 6.3% more than the normal industry standards. But the amount of energy and water saved in these sustainable buildings will return that extra cost within 8 years. Architects, developers and the society should understand this, he said.
Dr Ken reminded the young architects that they should have the passion, ability to handle stress and work very hard to give best results. They should not come to this field if their main intention is to make money , he said.
Bearys Group with Dr. Ken Yeang
Chairman of the Bearys Group, Syed Muhammad Beary said that the group will be joining hands with Dr Ken in a prestigious project in Chennai and will start work on that very soon. " Being the pioneers in green building and the only developer to have 6 platinum certifications from IGBC , Bearys Group is proud to be associated with Dr Ken" Beary added.
BEADS principal Ashok Mendonsa introduced the guest. Architects of Dr Ken's team Saw Seng Ee, Muhammad Haiqal and Vanessa Lai , Principal of BIT, Dr Antony AJ, academic Dean Dr Malabaleshwarappa, Principal of BIT Polytechnic Dr Aziz Musthafa were also present. Anjali compered the program. Faculty member Laxminarayan presented Dr Ken's portrait which he has drawn to him.
If you get visa and if you are a good architect ...
When a student asked Dr Ken if he will take interns from India, he replied that " the problem is not me, its about visa from Malaysia government. If you can get the visa and if you are a good architect and designer, i will definitely consider " he said.
Ken Yeang is an world renowned architect, ecologist, planner and author from Malaysia, best known for his ecological architecture and eco master plans that have a distinctive green aesthetic. He pioneered an ecology-based architecture (since 1971), working on the theory and practice of sustainable design. He has built over 200 buildings globally and published numerous books advocating an environmentally responsive approach to design. Yeang lectures extensively at conferences and schools of architecture (over 30 countries worldwide). The Guardian newspaper (2008) named him "one of the 50 people who could save the planet".
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
