Convocation '20
Life is like a movie
~ Rupali Gupte
Life at SEA (School of Environment and Architecture) has been extraordinary. February 7th, '20 called for a celebration, as SEA would complete it's first five years, the first batch would graduate. The preparations for the five year event was undertone, we only realized the enormity of the event later. Jury, rather scholars were invited from around the world for the event, followed by a SEA city event on the next day. The event took place in Nehru Science Centre, designed by Achyut Kanvinde, adding metaphorical significance. A week before the event I received a phone call from Shreyank, they would like me to present student work, along with five other students. I was thrilled and nervous at the same time. Us students, with Shreyank and Rohit spent hours preparing for the day. While the last day of school(in April), did not feel as the end, the anticipation of the event was a reminder that we were closer to saying goodbye. Rather, only, the beginning of adulthood.
No six of us slept the night before, however, plenty sleepless nights in architecture school had prepared us well. 'Beneath Skeins and Surfaces', was a part of the convocation event, organised in two panel discussions. I was prepared and energized to give my presentation. The panel discussions were fruitful, our work was appreciated and complimented. Later in the lunch break, I would go up to Dilip da Cunha, to address his remark on my thesis dissertation 'Architecture of Watching', and take notes of his inputs. It is worthwhile to discuss ideas and gives me mild joy to discuss my research with academics and intellectuals. In continuation to the event, SEA's first book 'First Questions' was launched, followed by the graduation ceremony. Each graduate received their own copy, to our surprise and glee, was enclosed with many other goodies. I was more than excited to hear the decision taken collectively by faculty at SEA, to discontinue the tradition of presenting the gold medal award to only one candidate. By doing so, the school takes their first step to recognize the work of each individual as equally important. The ceremony was followed by graduation speech given by four students in different languages. Their speeches were a humble sign of gratitude towards the school and its makers. Sabaa asked us to be seated; for the next five minutes were pure bliss. Many many, rather embarrassing pictures were put together in a video. We were overjoyed and fortunately those happy faces have been captured in photographs. Evidently most of us were teary-eyed, a fact we will always deny. We broke for a snack in the evening after the ceremony. The next hour constituted of taking a hundred photographs. As we said goodbye to our parents, the music band Kabir Cafe were ready to perform. Neeraj Arya's band derived their songs from the legendary saint and poet Kabira. This was the first time I was listening to live music. It goes without saying, it was the best musical experience. Their songs seemed to be modernized versions of doha(form of poetry). Soon the hall was filled with incantations of their music as we all stood up and raised our hands to the dhun(tune). I now find myself closer to understanding why Dad is fond of Gujarati Dayro (bhajans performed overnight). As we were departing from the venue, Akshata made sure we give three cheers to all volunteers at SEA, without their hard work the day would not have been possible. This day will not only be memorable but also marks the significance of the first five years at SEA and celebrates everyone who has been vital in the making of SEA. I have forgotten why I began writing this piece... Ah! What a pleasure it was... to be a part of this journey.
Rewind to day one, new school, new classmates, new friendships and Prasad talks about the idea of the idea, how does the cellphone change the mother? and silently watching the rain for hours. It made an impact. Obviously we did not understand what he was saying and why. In all fairness, he has always been ahead of his time. Being the first batch, without seniors, we grew closer to our faculty. It was the first time we would call our teachers on first name basis. Ravi with his passion for technology, years of architectural practice, seemed cool(millennial term), wise and full of warmth. There was never enough time for a conversation with him, given that one would not want it to end. Anuj broke a student's HB, threw another's click pencil out of the window and warned not to use plastic rulers in his class. He has been sweeter since... I could sit again in his and Rupali's humanities lectures and surely learn new ideas. In a generation where I find it hard to open up a discussion on gender with my male colleagues; it is rewarding that Rohit introduced me and provided insights on gender studies in architecture. There are many accounts to recall. At SEA we were blessed with the best.
No six of us slept the night before, however, plenty sleepless nights in architecture school had prepared us well. 'Beneath Skeins and Surfaces', was a part of the convocation event, organised in two panel discussions. I was prepared and energized to give my presentation. The panel discussions were fruitful, our work was appreciated and complimented. Later in the lunch break, I would go up to Dilip da Cunha, to address his remark on my thesis dissertation 'Architecture of Watching', and take notes of his inputs. It is worthwhile to discuss ideas and gives me mild joy to discuss my research with academics and intellectuals. In continuation to the event, SEA's first book 'First Questions' was launched, followed by the graduation ceremony. Each graduate received their own copy, to our surprise and glee, was enclosed with many other goodies. I was more than excited to hear the decision taken collectively by faculty at SEA, to discontinue the tradition of presenting the gold medal award to only one candidate. By doing so, the school takes their first step to recognize the work of each individual as equally important. The ceremony was followed by graduation speech given by four students in different languages. Their speeches were a humble sign of gratitude towards the school and its makers. Sabaa asked us to be seated; for the next five minutes were pure bliss. Many many, rather embarrassing pictures were put together in a video. We were overjoyed and fortunately those happy faces have been captured in photographs. Evidently most of us were teary-eyed, a fact we will always deny. We broke for a snack in the evening after the ceremony. The next hour constituted of taking a hundred photographs. As we said goodbye to our parents, the music band Kabir Cafe were ready to perform. Neeraj Arya's band derived their songs from the legendary saint and poet Kabira. This was the first time I was listening to live music. It goes without saying, it was the best musical experience. Their songs seemed to be modernized versions of doha(form of poetry). Soon the hall was filled with incantations of their music as we all stood up and raised our hands to the dhun(tune). I now find myself closer to understanding why Dad is fond of Gujarati Dayro (bhajans performed overnight). As we were departing from the venue, Akshata made sure we give three cheers to all volunteers at SEA, without their hard work the day would not have been possible. This day will not only be memorable but also marks the significance of the first five years at SEA and celebrates everyone who has been vital in the making of SEA. I have forgotten why I began writing this piece... Ah! What a pleasure it was... to be a part of this journey.
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