Introduction:

Over the coming half century, India’s urban population is expected to increase from a little over 300 million to about 800 million, accounting for more than half of the nation’s total population. The country will make a historic transition from a largely rural and agrarian society to one that is predominantly urban. This will be more than just an economic transition. It will result in the transformation of Indian society, culture, natural and built environments and politics.

This massive population shift will result in an explosion in the demand for livelihoods; for more urban space, housing and services; for improved governance; and for a new politics – all on a scale that no democracy has confronted in history. The future of India – as well the balance towards a more secure, sustainable and prosperous global future – will hinge on these challenges being handled with wisdom and alacrity. The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS]) will create India’s first independent National Innovation University focussed on the challenges and opportunities of its urbanisation. This will be a privately funded, globally-ranked education and action-oriented research institution at par with the celebrated Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The IIHS will host an integrated programme of high quality education, research and knowledge generation, executive training, distance learning, design and advisory services, advocacy and intervention.

A copy of the curriculum is available at the IIHS Library for reference.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24943/MUPV2.2009