The gala Awards evening this year saw the coming together of four dance forms—Bharatnatyam's expressive hand movements, Kathak's controlled footwork, Mohiniattam's subtle expression and Odissi's striking poses—to create magic on stage. Subtly reflecting the fusion and innovation that were visible in the entries that were received for the Yuva Ratna Awards.

Innovation has been the key driver for the success of Birla White, which has launched new products at regular intervals to give new dimensions to the interior and exterior designs of homes or office buildings. For example: the global standard Wall Care Putty that ensures protection from flaking walls and Textura that dresses up your walls in elegant and exquisite textures to give it a vibrant and refined look.

This time around at the Yuva Ratna Awards, the bright and young students of architecture and civil engineering from across India and the SAARC countries sent in 1,330 entries for an offbeat but exciting theme—an interpretation centre and a visitor's information centre in a rain forest.

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Mrs Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, while giving the keynote address, said, "Tropical rain forests are the jewels of the earth and you have given the correct stress on ideation." She mentioned that she was impressed with the concepts of zero carbon, zero waste self contained city; use of fluid bamboo structures and wood and inspiration from forest creatures and plants.

Eminent architect, Mr. Srinivas Moorthy, an alumnus of Delhi School of Planning and Architecture and founder of Hyderabad Architecture Foundation emphasised that the role of the architect was to create spaces, (and) not build buildings. He expressed happiness at the quality of entries received and also exhorted stronger linkages between architects and industry. "Can India create a new paradigm in design by evolving the Indian style of architecture?" he challenged the young gathering.

Professor D N Singh, Civil Engineer, underlined the importance of materials in creating structures as these affect cost, economy, strength and design. He looked into the future and threw up innovative ideas such as composites with white cement, cement with jute, perforated roof slabs and night glowing cement.

Mr. Rahul Mohnot, Head of Birla White, noted that the 21st century is dominated by the knowledge society whether in IT, architecture or arts. He spoke of the 30 million Indians living outside India and taking the Indian story to the globe. He urged the young talent to take active part in shaping the future of our country. "Architects and engineers are remembered for generations because of the work they leave behind," he opined.

Awards in various categories were given to the winners by Mrs Rajashree Birla; Mr O. P. Puranmalka, Wholetime Director, UltraTech Cement; Mr Rahul Mohnot, Senior President, Birla White and the eminent judges comprising architects Srinivas Murthy, Mujib Ahmed, Tushar Desai, Lalitha Tharani and Professor Suresh Raut (for the Architecture awards) and Professor D.N. Singh from IIT Mumbai, Professor A.K. Singh from Bhagubai Mafatlal Polytechnic and Mr B.V.B Pai, Consultant (for the Engineering awards).