Setting the ground for the conversation, Sapna Srivastava spoke to the speakers about their own professional philosophies. “In the times we have been hearing about newly constructed buildings or bridges etc collapsing. Likewise most of the buildings in cities today seem to have been juxtaposed from western countries. However, PrahaladShivrambhai Patel, has time and again stated that his passion is ‘Build to Last” and architect Yatin Pandya’s design belief has been of “Traditional Wisdom”.”
Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel shared his thoughts, "First and foremost, engineering, medicine, and law are three primary professions. Unlike legal and medical professionals, engineers often receive unsolicited advice, which is unfortunate. Passion and commitment to building lasting structures are crucial for engineers, who must prioritize quality over financial considerations. Unfortunately, low-quality standards persist due to price competition. Trusting engineers is the key to quality results. As an engineer, I focus on structural stability and vital structural elements. Quality delivery demands commitment despite constraints. Both owners and engineers should spearhead efforts to prevent substandard construction methods.”
Elaborating on his conviction in traditional wisdom, Yatin Pandya expressed, "India's rich wisdom and traditions hold great value. Often, we view tradition as outdated and unrelated to modern progress. However, tradition is living history, unlike inert history. Past values still impact today's world, such as in architecture. Assessing historical architecture using three criteria allows us to explore traditional wisdom further: 1) Pre-electrical design comfort without artificial energy. 2) Architecture evolves based on geography and climate, ensuring resilience. 3) Cultural tourism values historical sites for unique qualities not found in modern structures. Once a pristine island, Singapore transformed into a bustling tourism and convention hub. The city faced declining tourism in 1997 due to a lost cultural identity but countered this by promoting diverse culture and heritage preservation. This highlights the importance of maintaining context and tradition in urban development”.
Sapna Srivastava added, “It is evident that if one trusts one’s own belief, it is very much possible to achieve success, which has been exemplified by the experts with their own accomplishments. However, when they started their journey more than 30 years back, the times were different, sector was unorganized.”
Sharing his most significant obstacles Yatin Pandya stated, “Often, people take certain life aspects for granted due to parental influence. But in an unbiased setting like Canada, where I stayed for three years for higher studies at McGill University, questioning relevant choices is common. This experience deepened my gratitude for the values instilled during my upbringing in a middle-class, joint family that valued care, sharing, and prioritizing morals. Despite no explicit reason to return, I chose to do so. Since then I have been involved with city planning, urban design, mass housing, architecture, interior design, product design as well as conservation projects.".
Regarding the challenges faced, Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel, who has constructed milestone projects like World’s Biggest Office Building of “Surat Diamond Bourse”, The Prestigious Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, Iconic Sabarmati Riverfront Project and Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office & New Vidhansabha stated, “I strongly believe that life is not about challenges but opportunities. I experienced a disciplined lifestyle from a young age. A quote that has inspired me throughout my life is, "It's not doing the things we like to do, but liking the things we have to do, that makes your life blessed”. Even the word impossible consists of I'm possible. I view tasks as steps in a journey, not challenges. Staying positive and solution-focused is vital, as is being a motivating leader. Simplifying complex tasks and leaving stress behind helps ensure success through belief and dedication”.
Acknowledging the concept, Sapna Srivastava stated, "A shared aspect that merits commendation for both speakers is the pursuit of their passions. This has resulted in job satisfaction, as they derive pleasure from confronting obstacles and find silver lining in every black cloud.”
PRESENT SUCCESSES & FUTURE GOALS
Reflecting upon a notable achievement among numerous accomplishments, Yatin Pandya stated, “Though "charity" may sound pretentious, our unpaid efforts greatly enhanced lives. We're proud of our post-earthquake aid and community involvement, which gained us lasting appreciation. Additionally, installing tubular daylighting device in slum housing reduced electricity costs and improved home-based businesses and most importantly better quality of life for residents.”
Discussing his most noteworthy accomplishments, Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel said, “Two significant milestones characterize my professional journey are the swift execution of a project within a mere 60 days and the triumphant completion of the immense Surat Diamond Boost, valued at 1,575 crores, despite obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These accomplishments exemplify the potency of meticulous planning and unwavering determination”.
On the retirement plans, Yatin Pandya stated, “It may sound cliched, but I believe when you're engaged in numerous activities and haven't finished them, it doesn't feel like the end. Receiving a lifetime achievement award can be perceived as reaching the peak, or the start of a decline. However, there's much left unaccomplished. It's not about the destination, but rather the journey. Milestones act as moments to reflect and readjust one's path. In this journey, we must continue moving forward as travellers”.
Elucidating on his plans, Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel shared, “Perfection requires constant growth, especially in creative industries like construction and architecture. I applied my experience for contract farming in villages, using organization and planning skills to benefit communities. By combining expertise from various fields, we can revolutionize other fields, for example agriculture and improve lives. Retirement means using our professional knowledge for innovative solutions, not stopping work”.
Wrapping up the conversation, Sapna Srivastava said, “The takeaways from this talk is to think and plan big with conviction to make it a reality. Following our beliefs instead of taking the easy way, will surely lead to success and recognition in the long run. Challenge is just a mindset and job satisfaction is the real success.”
It's not doing the things we like to do, but liking the things we have to do. Negativity is my least favourite aspect of work and positivity, the most favourite as it aids in overcoming challenges. Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel
Milestones act as moments to reflect and readjust one's path. I love the creativity of my profession but detest the Pinterest that drives clients to demand something that is not even feasible in their given space. Yatin Pandya
Following your beliefs instead of taking the easy way, will surely lead to success and recognition. Follow your heart and dream big but do not lose sight of reality. Sapna Srivastava
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