B.Arch.
Batch : 2016-2018
People have often asked me, "What made you choose architecture?" Honestly,architecture happened to me and it continues to do that even today! There was a time when I was not conscious of its presence; maybe it was the time in my childhood when I used to keep myself engrossed in a variety of activities related to art and skilled construction. Maybe it was the time when I saw myself as acreator of striking pieces of art and sculpture that satisfy my imagination of spaces, materials, and color. Precisely, the time when architecture in all senses happened to me and I experienced it in each sense truly!
While pursuing my graduate studies in five years having an intense selfinvolvement, learning and experiences in the Faculty of Architecture & Planning, Jagannath University and a Master's experience in Bauhaus Campus in Germany, being one of the 10 individuals selected from India amongst millions for the first-ever Bauhaus Master class 2015-2016, Anhalt University's Master program DIA-Dessau International Architecture Graduate School / Dessau, Germany. I attained much clarity about what could be the role of an individual being a constant part of a bigger environment - our society - to give back to the field that has offered me its best.
It is said that if your roots are strong nothing can distract or stop you. I always felt proud and glad while explaining about my roots at various platforms. I still remember, while being interviewed for IIT Bombay I was asked about my graduation and I was the most confident while answering it. I was blessed enough to have such faculties who were always more than a friend to me. Its been 5 years since my graduation and I am still in touch with all my faculties from JNU.
I worked as a Project Architect & Building Design Head in 'Team Shunya' at IIT Bombay. Which is the only team represented India in Solar Decathlon China. Solar Decathlon is an international competition in which students design and construct a solar-powered energy-efficient house within 15 days at the competition venue. During this tenure, I served as a Research Technical assistant under Prof. Rangan Banerjee (Forbes Marshall Chair Professor & Head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IITBombay) and Dr. Ronita Bardhaan ( Currently: University Lecturer of Sustainability in the Built Environment, Director, MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies ). This was a great learning experience for me as I was involved in Architectural design, materials selection, construction assembly, and site operations work. It allowed me to apply the knowledge gained through courses and internship experiences during my undergraduate years.
The environment during submissions, late-night hard works, and juries have made me more stronger and passionate about Architecture. I have gained excellent achievements in my academic curriculum, topped my graduate thesis for redesigning the Navi- Mumbai International Airport. Throughout the 5 years of the Under graduation course, I remained on the top in Architectural Design in each semester and got awarded All-rounder of the year and Academic Medallist in 2015.
Apart from this, I have also participated in some of the competitions. I grabbed a runner up trophy in 'Reinventing Gwalior' which was to design an Art & Cultural Academy and Exhibition Centre amongst 2000 entries. Team Shunya's excellent research and practical approaches secured the second position under judges' choice for 'TRANSFORM MAHARASTRA' under the theme - Smart & Smarter development of sustainable & Livable cities. The continuous hard work and dedication made me the A3 Foundation's Young Achiever Award India 2017 winner for being the youngest architect in India with maximum achievements in 2017.
I am currently having my own creative practice 'Opame Architects' in Jaipur since 2018.. From the year 2010 to the year, 2020 everything has changed, from being a student to a professional architect with a lot of responsibilities, one thing I still miss is my college, friends, faculties and the memories.
Cheers to all the friends, Juniors, Seniors, Faculties, helpers! Cheers to all the memories, laughter, and knowledge !! Cheers to FOAP JNU!