Receives Best Commercial Award at ICI Altatech Structure Awards 2025
Munish Sood
Mandi
A young architect from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district has brought national recognition to the region with her remarkable achievement in the field of architecture. Upasana Sharma, a native of Riyur village in the Rewalsar area of Balh tehsil, has been conferred with the Best Commercial Award at the prestigious ICI Altatech Structure Awards 2025, held recently in Dharamshala.
The award was presented by IAS officer Vinod Kumar, who served as the chief guest at the ceremony. Upasana was honoured for her outstanding architectural work on the Rooh Kasol commercial project in Kasol, Kullu district.
According to the jury, the project was selected at the national level for its modern design, structural strength, technical excellence, innovation, and aesthetic appeal. The recognition places Upasana among the country’s leading emerging architects.
Expressing gratitude, Upasana credited her success to her parents, acknowledging their constant support and guidance. Her mother, Kusumlata, works as a supervisor in the Child Development Project Department in Rewalsar, while her father, Neelkamal Sharma, has served as deputy head of the village and continues to be actively involved in social work.
An alumnus of Sundernagar Polytechnic Training Institute, Upasana later completed her degree in architecture from Nagrota Bagwan. She is currently associated with the Institute of Architecture at Souli Khad and is engaged in several ambitious projects.
Her achievement has sparked pride across Mandi district, particularly in her native Riyur village. Public representatives, social organisations, and local residents have extended heartfelt congratulations and wished her continued success.
Upasana’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that talent, determination, and family support can help individuals from small villages reach national platforms, inspiring young professionals—especially women—to pursue their dreams with confidence.
