The shape of success

Porvorim-based Evanthika Pereira from Goa College of Architecture, Panaji recently became the first female Goan to be elected as the president of the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA), India. NT KURIOCITY gets details

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY

Did you always aspire to be an architect? What drew you to this field?

One thing that has always caught my attention about the Goan landscape is its unique architecture, which captures the core of the Goan spirit and heritage. This fascination led me to pursue architecture, primarily driven by my interest in restoring and repurposing old structures. My current aspiration is to revitalise the dilapidated buildings across Goa, particularly the old houses, by restoring them and providing them with a new purpose. I imagine changing these structures into commercial spaces while preserving the essence of Goan ethnicity.

 

How does it feel to be the first Goan female president of NASA India?

Given its esteemed history and importance in the architecture student community, I am deeply honoured to have received this position. The student community that NASA India encompasses more than 66,000 students, and to be one of those chosen to lead the association is certainly something I am grateful for. I once heard a quote from one of our former presidents that goes by ‘Many experience NASA India, but only a few get to shape what NASA India truly is’.

 

What led to you getting this opportunity and how do you think it will benefit you?

NASA India operates with representatives from over 350 colleges participating in the association’s activities. It is then segmented into a zonal council, with zones representing groups of states. These zones, a total of eight, include all the states, each organised according to academic timetables for administrative purposes. After serving as a unit secretary representing my college, I ran for elections to become a zonal president. During my tenure of eight months last year, I presided over Zone 5, comprising Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, with oversight of 55 colleges. This experience provided valuable insight into administrative and executive functions within the council, fuelling my interest in advancing to the position of national president of NASA India. Typically, these tenures last for one year.

 

What will be your responsibilities as the president?

Being a council member exposes you to a wide array of real-world experiences that our students would not typically encounter. From understanding accounting practices, as our convention budgets often exceed a crore, to delving into administrative tasks, managing foreign funds, and engaging with heads of departments and national and international collaborators, the exposure gained here is akin to that of an executive in a top corporate firm. Furthermore, being part of NASA India provides access to an extensive network within the architectural and allied fields in India, including planners, interior designers, and digital designers. The leadership perspective gained and the level of exposure afforded here is substantial. It goes beyond mere exposure; members actively execute tasks and make significant decisions for the world’s largest and oldest-running architecture student body.

 

What inspired you to take on a leadership role within NASA India, and what are your goals and vision for the organisation as president?

What inspired me was a group of individuals, including my seniors from college who once ran for executive council positions, along with alumni who had previously held such roles. Witnessing the impactful way in which individuals operate within this organisation is truly remarkable. As students, effecting major changes on a national scale is often considered a distant dream. However, I felt that stepping into this role would provide the perfect opportunity for me to experiment and contribute. Additionally, conversations with former council members, ex-presidents, and other individuals within the association have further motivated me to pursue this position.

 

How do you plan to use NASA India’s extensive network and partnerships to create more opportunities for students and professionals?

To create more extensive opportunities for our students, we aim to facilitate a range of national programmes. One such programme is called ‘The Insider,’ where groups of five to 15 students have the chance to visit an architect’s office and spend a day or two observing its operations. This provides them with valuable insight into how a firm functions, offering a glimpse into real-world office dynamics, unlike traditional internships which often focus on higher-level aspects of architecture. This initiative is designed to expose students to the professional realities of architecture practice. In addition to ‘The Insider,’ we have several other programs running concurrently. We plan to increase both the number of students accommodated per programme and the overall number of programmes offered. Also, as NASA India, we aim to establish a strong presence, showcasing India as a significant player in the field of architecture. We aspire to provide international students with insights into India’s architectural practices. Typically, our conventions include international delegates, and in recent years, we have seen a notable increase in their attendance. We intend to expand this aspect further, fostering a cross-cultural and cross-border celebration of architecture.

In what ways do you think architecture students can benefit from participating in design competitions, internship programmes, and networking events organised by NASA India?

 

Our design trophies feature briefs curated by India’s top architects, and in some cases, renowned global architects. These competitions are judged by esteemed architects who are hand-picked for their credibility. Participating in these competitions not only enhances students’ skills but also enriches their portfolios with valuable drawings, sheets, and learnings that translate into tangible improvements in their work. Our programmes and networking events include India’s largest conventions, which attract a diverse audience of architecture students, professionals, and prominent architects from both national and international spheres. These conventions offer a unique experience, featuring multiple workshops, seminars, master classes, and panel discussions, as well as evening keynote sessions and cultural activities that celebrate India’s rich heritage. Hosting or participating in these conventions also provides colleges with significant public visibility, as we select the best bids for hosting conventions. Networking lies at the heart of NASA India’s mission, making it a central focus of our association.

 

What message would you like to give to aspiring female leaders in architecture or any other field, based on your own experiences and accomplishments?

Believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and never shy away from opportunities to grow. Your unique perspective and skills are invaluable contributions to any field! Stay determined, support other people around you, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in leadership roles! The world is your centre stage.

 

Lastly, what are your future plans?

After completing my studies in architecture, I plan to pursue a career in a field that aligns with my passions. One such area is restoration, focusing on conserving the built heritage of Goa. Also, I am deeply interested in adaptive reuse and intend to explore this subject further. These are my primary plans. I also aspire to engage in projects that contribute positively to society through architecture. The field of architecture is incredibly diverse and offers opportunities to be real changemakers, impacting everything from sustainability and economics to urban development. It’s a space I’m eager to explore and where I hope to make a meaningful difference.

 

Picture Credit: Hemant Parab