In this episode of The Mohua Show, we sit down with Gita Balakrishnan, author of 1700 in 70: A Walk for a Cause, to explore her extraordinary journey of walking 1,700 kilometers over 70 days from Kolkata to Delhi. At fifty-three, Gita embarked on this ambitious trek to uncover India’s design sensibilities, initiate a dialogue on design literacy, and highlight the power of architecture in shaping communities, lifestyles, and identities. Through her walk, she engaged with local communities, immersed herself in traditional construction practices, and found inspiration in the diverse landscapes and cultures of India.
Gita discusses how this journey shaped her view on the future of architecture, urging us to slow down, connect with our surroundings, and rethink the impact of design on our lives. Join us as we dive into her captivating story of resilience, physical endurance, and the quest for meaningful, sustainable architecture.
00:00 – Introduction
00:58 – Inspiration Behind 1700km Walk
02:44 – Documenting the Journey
03:49 – The Importance of Resilience
06:16 – Struggles of Local Communities
08:23 – Relishing the Walk
09:28 – Writing During the Walk
10:23 – Challenges During the Walk
12:49 – Key Takeaways from the Book
14:38 – Hidden Gems within the Pages
16:13 – Social Responsibility of Architects
18:00 – Accountability of Architects
19:34 – Overcoming Challenges
22:50 – Envisioning the Future of Architecture
26:00 – Advice for Aspiring Architects
27:05 – Concluding Remarks
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Mohua’s Book
If Only It Were Spring Everyday: https://amzn.eu/d/ieUSuDY
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Connect with Us
Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/
The Literature Lounge: https://www.themohuashow.com/
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Gita Balakrishnan: https://www.instagram.com/gita_ethos/
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Follow Us
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMohuaShow
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themohuashow/
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Disclaimer
The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our podcast and its associated platforms.
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