Manak Mahotsav 2026 Successfully Celebrated at SPA Vijayawada on the Occasion of World Standards Day

Vijayawada, 14 October 2026: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Vijayawada Branch Office, in association with the School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada (SPA Vijayawada), successfully organised Manak Mahotsav 2026 on 14 October 2026 at the Krishnaveni Sabha Gaar Auditorium, SPA Vijayawada, ITI Road, Vijayawada, on the occasion of World Standards Day 2026. The programme was organised under the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World,” with a special focus on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Affordable and Clean Energy.

The event aimed to highlight the significance of standardisation, quality assurance, product safety, certification and consumer protection in fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life. The celebration also emphasised the importance of Indian Standards in ensuring the reliability of products and services, promoting responsible consumption, supporting technological advancement and strengthening public awareness of quality and safety requirements.

The programme commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the invitation of the distinguished dignitaries onto the stage and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The inaugural proceedings set the tone for the day's deliberations on the importance of standards in building a safer, more reliable and sustainable society.

Shri Shanmukha Shiva Palli, Scientist D / Joint Director, Bureau of Indian Standards, Vijayawada, delivered the World Standards Day message, highlighting the relevance of standards in everyday life and their contribution to quality, safety and sustainable development. Smt. Prem Sajani Patnala, Scientist E / Director and Head, BIS Vijayawada Branch Office, delivered the inaugural address, underscoring the role of BIS in developing and promoting standards and ensuring conformity with prescribed quality requirements.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ramesh Srikonda, Director, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, who represented the host institution and highlighted the relevance of quality, standards and sustainable practices in the built environment and in institutional and societal development.

The programme was further enriched by addresses from the distinguished guests. Shri M. Kamalakara Babu, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd., addressed the gathering in his capacity as Guest of Honour. Shri K. Kanna Babu, I.A.S., Commissioner, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, also addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour. Dr. G. Lakshmisha, I.A.S., Collector and District Magistrate, NTR District, Andhra Pradesh, attended as the Chief Guest and was scheduled to address the gathering as part of the programme.

A key highlight of Manak Mahotsav 2026 was its focus on the contribution of standardisation to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The theme reinforced the importance of quality standards in supporting renewable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency, promoting product reliability and facilitating the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

The programme also featured an overview of the activities and consumer-oriented initiatives of the Bureau of Indian Standards. These included the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark), which signifies conformity with applicable Indian Standards; the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for designated electronic and information technology products; hallmarking, which helps consumers verify the purity of precious-metal articles; and the BIS Care App, which facilitates access to product certification and related consumer services. These initiatives demonstrate the role of standardisation and certification in protecting consumers, minimising potential health and safety risks and encouraging confidence in the quality of goods available in the market.

The celebration provided an important platform for highlighting the shared responsibilities of government institutions, academic organisations, industry and consumers in promoting quality consciousness and adherence to standards. The association between BIS Vijayawada and SPA Vijayawada reflected the importance of collaboration between standards institutions and academic organisations in creating greater awareness of quality, sustainability and responsible development.

The successful organisation of Manak Mahotsav 2026 at SPA Vijayawada on 14 October 2026 reaffirmed the importance of standardisation as a foundation for a better, safer and more sustainable world. The programme underscored the continuing relevance of Indian Standards in supporting consumer welfare, technological progress, clean energy initiatives and the broader goals of sustainable development.