Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi has been awarded this year's Pritzker Prize for being able to interpret architecture and transform it into buildings that respect Eastern culture. The Pritzker Prize is regarded as architecture's equivalent to the Nobel Prize.

Long considered to be one of India's foremost living architects and urban planners, Doshi is widely known for designing extensive low-cost housing projects and public institutions. Efe reported that the judging panel said it recognized the Pune-born architect for his exceptional work, his commitment and dedication to his country and its communities, his influence as a professor and for always being an excellent example for professionals and students the world over.

The judging panel said in its statement, over the years, Balkrishna Doshi has always created an architecture that is serious, never flashy or a follower of trends. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to his country and its people through high quality, authentic architecture, he has created projects for public administrations and utilities, educational and cultural institutions, and residences for private clients, among others, the statement added.

Doshi is acutely aware of the context in which his buildings are located. His solutions take into account the social, environmental and economic dimensions, and therefore his architecture is totally engaged with sustainability," the panel - headed by Australia's Glenn Murcutt - said.

Doshi, in turn, said that his works are an extension of his life, his philosophy and his dreams, adding that he owes winning the coveted award to his guru, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret - known as Le Corbusier with whom he worked during the 1950s. He also humbly thanked the judging panel for recognizing his work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Mr Doshi on winning the prize. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, the honour is a fitting recognition of the architect's outstanding work, which has spanned decades and made a notable contribution to society.