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The perfect foundation

From the albums
Last Updated 15 July 2015, 18:31 IST

This picture was taken after the completion of our course in architecture in front of University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) in June 1972. 

It was by the vision and efforts of V Hanumantha Rao Naidu, former Chief Architect of Karnataka, that the Department of Architecture was established in UVCE in 1967. Thirty students, including me, were selected to pursue this course after an entrance examination. 

Those days many associated architecture with temples and palaces. Chandavarkar and Thacker, Karekar and Sundaram were among very few known practices. My uncle Late KLV Subbiah was the one who motivated me to join the course though my other uncle Dr Venkateshamurthy wanted me to get a degree and go for competitive exams for civil services.

The studies began with a syllabus comprising nothing significant about architecture. The subjects were the same as that for civil engineering — English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — along with engineering drawings and workshops. There was no architect on the faculty. 

Mr KN Iengar, a multifaceted personality with great knowledge in the History of Architecture, Design Theory, etc was the first faculty member. He was a good Hindustani musician and an excellent calligraphist too. We used to visit his house to listen to his music. He initiated framing of the syllabus. SG Pardhy was the next to join as reader and Head of Department. 

An ever smiling man, he introduced us to modern architecture and subjects like Perspective, Sciography, and Climatology etc. D Santhanakrishnan, who was next to join the department, taught us Building Construction drawings. He has kept in touch with most of his students. Even to this day, he remembers all our names in the same alphabetical order of our attendance register. 

Pushpa Dravid, mother of famous cricketer Rahul Dravid, was our arts teacher. SN Kanade joined when we were in the final year of our studies. The entire faculty was very friendly with us. We would jokingly call them ‘our juniors’ because all of them joined the college after us.

The camaraderie among the students, not only of the first batch but the succeeding batches also was excellent. The study tours to places all over the country brought us closer. My classmate Devadas Bhatkal had spared none in giving nicknames. In fact, most of us are known only by our nicknames.

The days used to start at 7.30 am and some days we had nine hours of classes ending at 5.30 pm. Those days, coffee used to be available in the canteen at 15 paise a cup. 

Anyone who could spend 10 paise from his pocket money would ask somebody else to contribute 5 paise for a by-two coffee and there would be more than three bidding for it. The course was quite tough with drawings to be done in the college and at home too. 

Our parents used to ask us, “It is two in the morning, why haven’t you slept? You have to leave by 6.45 in the morning.” 

The five girls in our batch (nicknamed ‘Panchakanyas’ by Mr Iengar) were the talk of the college as there were hardly any in other courses. Getting a job after the course was not difficult. All the students who passed out got into good jobs or went for higher studies. The Gulf boom provided opportunities to many later. 

I started my career with a leading firm of Architects M/s Zachariah Shankaran & Thomas.  Five years later, I started my own practice. In 1985, my classmate and colleague at ZST, Faqrulla Khan joined me after a stint in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership Srinivas and Khan raises many eyebrows  because of the unique combination. Thirty years down the line, it has become a known firm in the field of architecture.

I have been active in professional associations too. I have served in all capacities including Chairman of Karnataka chapter and national council member of Indian Institute of Architects. Currently, I am the President of University Visvesvaraya Architects’ Alumni Association. 

Reminiscing college days is always fun. Formation of the association four years ago has brought that fun again amongst us old students. 

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(Published 15 July 2015, 14:04 IST)

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