Balkrishna Doshi nurtured a profound affinity for students and as an ardent learner throughout
his life. He consistently ascribed the laurels of his achievements to his venerable mentors,
whom he reverentially addressed as gurus. The years spent in the apprenticeship of Le Corbusier
and in association with Louis Kahn became Doshi's life-school. In both these gurus, Doshi found
distinct characteristics and essential qualities, akin to an acrobat and a yogi. The acrobat
symbolizes curiosity and the audacity to explore beyond conventional limits, while the yogi
embodies introspection and inner unity. Doshi believed that a well-rounded education requires
both aspects - the daring to venture into the unknown and the introspection to find inner
equilibrium.
Doshi's vision advocated for a limitless “school without doors” , where learning
knows no boundaries. He emphasized the importance of opening not just one door, but many, to
diverse avenues of knowledge. For Doshi,learning was always like osmosis, a lifelong activity
that can happen if one is open and receptive to the signals of the guru, yet guided by one's own
intuition. In his life,
'education implied exposure, assimilation, dialogue, and exploration' -
made better when nurtured and shaped by a guru, beyond formal constraints and regimental
thinking.
Today in observance of his birth anniversary, we at the Vastu Shilpa Foundation ,
deem it befitting to inaugurate an initiative that harmoniously echoes his intrinsic values and
passions.
In a humble endeavor, we are establishing the 'Balkrishna Doshi : Guru Ratna Award' in his
cherished memory- with the intent of bestowing it upon educators who diligently nurture an
innate inquisitiveness and intuitive insight in the students within the realm of art, design and
architecture, within the Indian subcontinent.
The complex and exploratory scape of architecture and design education often demands
unconventional and fresh approaches in pedagogy and practice, in order to create
well-rounded individuals. Many educationists have made significant contributions and left
indelible impressions on generations of built-environment practitioners through their
unconditional guidance and innovative teaching methods. With every turn in technology and
shifts in workings of the world, the role of the educator remains increasingly significant
as a foundation for society's progress. For the Guru, notions and approaches to teaching and
learning may be varied, but the intentions of creating amiable environments to foster
questioning, criticality and experimentation are immutable. In the context of the art,
architecture and design education in India, the Award seeks out committed and transformative
educators who have ignited several minds. The Award celebrates educators who have nurtured
aspirants on their search for meaning, constantly inculcating in them values of service,
humanity and progress.
The Award honours and cherishes commitment to education and demonstrates excellence in
educational service, leadership, or scholarship. In places of learning, the educator can
become the centrepoint from and towards whom a web of connections and relationships
flourish. In today's world, the educator's views on changing societal contexts, as well as
outlooks towards diversity of tools, techniques and working methods are most pertinent.
Therefore, the process of 'learning how to learn' is a constant and continuous endeavour,
with the educator at the helm. The Guru Ratna Award encourages and champions the values of
learning without borders, collaboration and collective sensibility amongst the educator
community.
