What we did in January 2025 at Ethos Foundation
It is 2025 and I continue with my walks. In my book – 1700 in 70, I shared a poignant moment about my mother commenting on the simple joy of a bird’s tweet after being fitted with a hearing aid. This moment deeply resonated with me, as it reminded me to slow down and I drew parallels with my act of walking. Walking allows us to pause, be present, and engage – receive experiences and education that are invaluable to the way we lead our lives personally and professionally.
I am happy that 2025 began with a 100-kilometer walk across Gujarat – from Siddhpur to Mahatma Mandir (Gandhinagar). This was a part of the original trade route that extended until Khambhat. One could clearly see how the architecture and the lifestyle evolved due to this connection. Exploring the places along the way with curious students and faculty of SAL School of Architecture was rewarding; having my dear friend Mona Doctor Pingel and Prof.Ramanjyot Shrivastava also trudge alongside was a bonus. The delightful Bohra homes at Siddhpur reminiscent more of Europe than of India, the magic unleashed under the hands of the coppersmiths in Visnagar and potters in Gozariya were a treat to explore.
January proved to be a busy month for our pillar ShramA as well; Under ShramA inclusion, our student fellows from different colleges of architecture completed over 300 interviews of construction workers on different sites in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.We are now in the process of analysing the responses. We conducted Empowerment workshops for construction workers in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune in January at SAL School of Architecture and sites of Access Architects and VK:Architects respectively. These workshops followed the ones in Nashik, Nagpur and Aurangabad from last year and were on financial literacy, skill enhancement and reading construction drawings. This initiative of ShramA is supported by Saint Gobain.
Under our vertical ADaR – Affordable Design a Right, the need-based assessment report by the students of Saveetha College of Architecture and Design, Aalim Muhammed Salegh Academy of Architecture, Mohammed Sathak A.J.Academy of Architecture, Papni School of Architecture and the workshop under the mentorship by Ar.Biju Kuriakose of Architecture Red and Ar.Nirupama Venkatesh of NVA, both in Chennai led to the inauguration of a infrastructure development project of a government school in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. It is the coming together of many partners and demonstrates the true spirit of collaboration. This initiative of ADaR is supported by Saint Gobain.
SAaTh, Sustainability in Action and Thought, saw the shortlisting of five ideas and five firms by the panel comprising Sumit Chauhan of Mphasis F1 Foundation, Zen Rainman S.Vishwanath, Tanuja Kanvinde, Monish Siripurapu, Raman K for the Design and Build Grants and the mentorship programme respectively. The Design and Build Grants support projects that will be executed to demonstrate water savings through design while the Mentorship programme aims to provide appropriate expertise for young and upcoming firms to integrate sustainability principles into their design approach. This initiative was supported by Mphasis F1 Foundation.
Together with your support, we are shaping a future rooted in empathy, determination, and shared vision of the responsibility that we have towards society. Let’s continue this journey, always with heart, purpose, and drive.
Warm Regards,
Ar. Gita Balakrishnan
Founding Trustee and Curator, Ethos Foundation
Architectural Social Responsibility
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