Professor C. V. R. Murty, the coordinator of this course welcomed the participants. He stressed on the need of teaching of earthquake engineering to the architectural students. He encouraged the participants to get involved in the discussions during the course.

Professor Bithin Datta, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Kanpur in his address informed about the leadership taken by the civil engineering department through the National Programme of Earthquake Engineering Education (NPEEE) and the National Information Centre of Earthquake Engineering (NICEE) at IIT Kanpur. He asked the participants to take full advantage of their stay at IIT Kanpur through interaction with faculty members from other groups in the department.

Professor Sudhir K. Jain, National Coordinator, National Programme on Earthquake Engineering Education briefed the members about NPEEE activities. Considering the importance of teaching earthquake engineering in architecture colleges, IIT Kanpur is preparing resource materials which will be distributed to all colleges in the country.

The course was inaugurated by Professor Gautam Biswas, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur. Professor Gautam Biswas in his inaugural speech commended the good work being done by the group of faculty members in earthquake engineering. He welcomed the participants and invited them to interact with faculty members of IIT Kanpur who have expertise in various areas of research other than earthquake engineering.

Professor Durgesh C. Rai proposed the vote of thanks. He also offered on behalf of IIT Kanpur all help to the participants even after the course is over in connection with any difficulties they may have in this subject.

Programme of the inauguration is enclosed herewith. Venue was Pioneer Batch Continuing Education Centre (PBCEC), Visitor's Hostel at IIT Kanpur campus.