Smritivan, India's largest memorial museum is a living testament to human resilience and constant change. An experiential journey along the learnings and memories of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Rooted in interpretation and experimentation, over 100 exhibits in 7 thematic blocks are presented as a confluence of local crafts in contemporary design language. Layered experiences from educational scientific content to sensitive personal stories create a memorable impression. Diverse exhibits, immersive environments, and archival memories engage and inspire all visitor age groups.
I am architect and an industrial designer by education. My keep interest lies in story telling and problem solving through design. I don’t get along to a silo as a designer, this is very fundamental to the kind of designing I do . The hunger to make a difference. Also to lead a time of passionate and creative people is a high in itself . My design philosophy is not to work in a silo but to be creative through the multidisciplinary approach. To work on public projects which brings narrative to the society. I design spaces where you experience a story, like you have films showcasing you a story , we do storytelling in space. Such spaces / museums are new to India comparatively. I see; we have long way to go and it can be super successful in Indian scenario .
The Government of Gujarat (GOG) established the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) on February 8, 2001 to co-ordinate the comprehensive earthquake recovery program. The GSDMA is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act. GSDMA vision is to go beyond reconstruction and make Gujarat economically vibrant, agriculturally and industrially competitive with improved standards of living and with a capacity to mitigate and manage future disasters. To undertake social and economical activities for rehabilitation & resettlement of the affected people that would include new Housing, Infrastructure, Economics Rehabilitation, social Rehabilitation and other related programme. To prepare programmes and plans to mitigate the losses on account of disasters as a strategy for long terms disaster preparedness. To undertake research and study regarding causes for losses on account of natural disaster and to suggest remedial measures for minimising the same. To undertake research and study regarding causes for losses on account of natural disaster and to suggest remedial measures for minimising the same. To obtain funds for rehabilitation and resettlement and to ensure optimum utilisation of these funds obtained in the form of grant, aid, assistance or loan from Government of Gujarat, Government of India, World Bank and ADB, USAID, DFID, IFRC, and donors, NGOs, and from financial institutions, Public and private trusts or any other organisations. To manage Gujarat Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Fund. To act as a nodal agency, and to co-ordinate various issues relating to the deserving victims out of the funds, either directly or through a common fund, created for these purpose in any other feasible mode. To provide to arrange financial assistance so as to achieve the objects of the society. To raise money through financial instruments, bonds, deposits or such other manner may be permissible under the provision of Societies Registration Act, 180 and the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950. To develop approach, philosophy, policy guidelines and action plan and other relevant aspects for meeting out disaster of any kind; Management , Administration, Investment & Reinvestment of funds out of sale proceeds received from the sle of land, buildings, Equipments, furniture, fixtures, debris or any other things or articles or infrastructure. To act as a nodal agency and to coordinate various issures related to the maintenance of hygienic living conditions, welfare of victims, environmental maintenance and such other welfare measures, as may be assigned to the deserving authority. To do all the acts and things conducive for the attainment of the above objects in the most possible manner, which are relevant to fulfil the objects of SOCIETY.