The Builders Association of India Honors Ramesh Dhoot with ‘Nirman Ratna 2024’ Lifetime Achievement Award
Pune: The integration of technology and creativity is driving quality improvements in the construction industry, but developers must place greater emphasis on documentation and safety, stated Avinash Patil, Director of the State Urban Planning Department. He further urged urban developers to take the lead in rural projects initiated by the urban planning division.
Patil addressed the audience during the 28th ‘BAI-Shirke Well Built Structure Competition 2024’ awards ceremony organized by the Builders Association of India (BAI) Pune Center. The event was sponsored by B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Private Limited and held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Several dignitaries attended, including K. Vishwanathan, President of All India BAI; Anand Gupta, Vice President of BAI West; Bipin Kulkarni, Vice President of B.G. Shirke Company; Dhairyasheel Khairepatil, President of WBSC; Sunil Mate, President of BAI Pune Center; and other notable figures such as Ajay Gujjar, Mahesh Mayadev, Secretary Rajaram Hajare, and Treasurer Shashikant Killedarpatil.
This year, the prestigious ‘BAI-Padma Shri B.G. Shirke Lifetime Achievement Award’ (Nirman Ratna 2024) was presented to Ramesh Dhoot of the Dhoot Group of Companies. The award included a trophy, a citation of honor, and a cash prize of ₹1,11,000. In a commendable gesture, Dhoot donated the prize money to BAI for educational assistance to children of construction workers. The event also marked the launch of the BAI Engineering Diary.
Numerous companies were recognized for their outstanding contributions to various sectors within the construction industry. In the residential category, GRIT-Environmental Design+ Research Studio, Pride Builders, Nirman Developers, and Kavalkade Properties were honored. In the commercial category, Pride Builders LLP, Vilas Javadekar Eco Shelters, and Phoenix Group Hyderabad received accolades. Uddhav Gawde Baramati was awarded for projects outside Pune in both residential and commercial categories. SCON Projects and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation were recognized in the industrial category, while Rohan Builders India and A.S. Desai Infrastructure were awarded for infrastructure development. Harsh Constructions received recognition for government project development, and Millennium Engineers and Private Limited excelled in the “Work Up to Bare Shell” category. Across Nodes Transit Solutions was awarded for the Best Brownfield Project, and Vriksha Landscapes for achievements in the landscape category.
During his acceptance speech, Ramesh Dhoot shared his journey, saying, “I began as a small contractor and gradually transformed into a thriving business group. Civil engineers must embody hard work and adaptability, much like soldiers who rise to challenges wherever required.”
K. Vishwanathan commended the efforts of BAI Pune Center, stating, “The work of BAI Pune Center is commendable. Hosting this high-quality competition to honor individuals and groups making significant contributions to the construction sector is inspiring. It brings innovations in the construction department to the forefront.”
Anand Gupta also shared guidance and insights with the attendees. The program’s introduction was given by Sunil Mate, while Rajaram Hajare proposed the vote of thanks. The event was skillfully moderated by Sanjay Apte.
The ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations in the construction industry, reinforcing the importance of innovation, safety, and collaboration in shaping future projects.
