Like the springing of a large tree from a small seed, I see this journey of discovery of water-sources and re-discovery of the bond between humans and geography, geology and technology as springing from a child’s heart. Ar.Yeshwanth Ramammurty Sir, through his adventures with this work, has rightly as a mentor does, demonstrated through action the coming together of inquisitiveness empowered by inquiry, persistence, collaboration, professional practice and above all incessant hard work.
This day, a moment in history; this book envisioned by an architect, supported by educational institutions and the government would serve as a timeless piece marking not only a milestone in it’s various associations but also celebrates the coming together and contributions of like-minded persons whom the waters choose to connect.In this book, the Forgotten Stepwells of Telangana, the chapter ‘Restore,Revive,Rejoice’ on restoration of the Stepwell at Bapughat is a narrative of the holistic process of conservation work including hydrology, architecture and synergy. I fondly remember the analogy between our first visit with my mother, Ar.Kaushik, Ms.Kalpana Ramesh and my 96 days old little one with our closure of the work with exhibitions of students’ art interpretations of the stepwell and the gesture of the mother frog who found the restored well water safe for her little one. I feel grateful to the team of HDF to have acknowledged our work.
I feel humbled to be a co-author alongside my colleagues, friends and most importantly my mentors. 15 years ago, I had known about passion and relentless working through Ar.Naheema ma’am’s work; now, I continue to witness the same zeal in approach and architecture that re-kindles in me the joy of association and deeply satisfies my quest for learning and sharing.The eclectic emotions that water, step-wells and a first of its kind book invokes within me can be metaphorically expressed by Kabir Das’s couplet
Kua Ek Hai,
Paani Bhare Anek,
Bartan Mein-hi Bhed hai,
Paani sab mein ek hai.
Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who have believed and supported us through the process.
– Arunima Shankar
Akarmaa
