“Yaadein Abhikram Ki” was a heartfelt gathering celebrating 40 years of Abhikram’s journey in architecture, conservation, and sustainable design. Hosted at Nirma University, Ahmedabad, on December 21, 2019, the event brought together Abhikram’s extended family—architects, karigars, patrons, clients, and friends—to honor the legacy of Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri. Through personal anecdotes, panel discussions, and musical tributes, it highlighted their unwavering commitment to responsible architecture, cultural heritage, and traditional craftsmanship. The evening reflected on their pioneering work in conservation and adaptive reuse, their dedication to local materials and techniques, and their belief in architecture as a means of sustaining both heritage and community.

A Family Reunion of Abhikram’s Community

The event brought together an extended family of Abhikramites, craftspeople, patrons, clients, collaborators, and friends—many of whom had played pivotal roles in shaping the practice. Guests traveled from near and far, across India and beyond, to honor Nimish Patel’s legacy and Abhikram’s impact on heritage conservation, sustainable architecture, and adaptive reuse. The atmosphere was warm, reflective, and filled with camaraderie, where memories, experiences, and learnings were shared.

Honouring the Spirit of Abhikram

The event opened with Ms. Parul Zaveri’s heartfelt welcome, acknowledging the omnipresence of Nimish Patel, who, even in his absence, continued to guide and inspire the team. She spoke about the challenges, perseverance, and unwavering beliefs that had shaped Abhikram’s journey, particularly the commitment to resource conservation, contextual design, and respect for traditional crafts and materials.

A special video message from Shriji Arvindsingh Mewar of Udaipur encapsulated the essence of Abhikram’s work—commitment, depth, and empathy (C-D-E)—values that had become ingrained in the practice. He recounted Abhikram’s invaluable contributions to the conservation of Shambhu Niwas Palace and the City Palace Complex and emphasized how ethics and integrity were at the heart of their approach.

Reflections from Peers, Patrons, and Partners

Throughout the evening, a series of conversations and panel discussions delved into Abhikram’s philosophy and legacy. Some key highlights included:

• Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, in a recorded message, recalled how Nimish Patel initially declined the Oberoi Udaivilas project due to its potential conflict with conservation principles. However, upon learning of a more sensitive approach, he agreed to design the hotel—now considered one of the finest luxury hotels in the world.
• Mr. Jay Sonawala, an ex-Abhikramite, and Mr. Nitin Sonawala, a childhood friend of Nimish Patel, shared humorous and touching anecdotes that painted a picture of his discipline, attention to detail, and deep-rooted ethics.
• Ms. Faith Singh, the co-founder of Anokhi, spoke about her collaboration with Abhikram on the Amber Haveli and Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, emphasizing how their work respected both architectural heritage and craft traditions.
• Mr. G.S. Balaji, who worked closely with Abhikram on the Udaivilas project, shared how he had to unlearn conventional engineering methods and adopt traditional techniques like lime plaster, natural pigments, and hand-crafted finishes.
• Mr. Prithviraj Singh, who collaborated with Abhikram on the restoration of Fort Barwara (now Six Senses Fort Barwara), expressed his admiration for how Nimish and Parul guided the project, insisting on using only natural, local materials without cement or steel.
• Mr. Himmat Anand, the founder of Tree of Life Resorts, narrated how working with Abhikram transformed not just his understanding of architecture but his approach to life itself, instilling in him a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability.

A Celebration of Culture and Crafts

Music and poetry were interwoven into the evening, with a special performance by Charul Bharwada and Vinay Mahajan (Loknaad), who presented a moving song, Saanjhi Virasat, reflecting on the fragile yet enduring nature of heritage and the need for its preservation.

The discussions underscored a central theme: heritage is not just about preserving the past but adapting it for the future, ensuring that cultural identity remains vibrant and relevant in a rapidly modernizing world.

A Continuing Legacy

The event was not just about remembering the past but about carrying forward Abhikram’s mission—to continue exploring architectural directions that are functional, environmentally responsible, psychologically comfortable, and culturally rooted. The challenge remains: how do we conserve our built heritage while allowing it to evolve and stay relevant?

As Yaadein Abhikram Ki concluded, it was evident that Abhikram is more than an architectural practice—it is a movement, a philosophy that challenges standardization and planned obsolescence and instead embraces sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity.

The gathering reaffirmed that Nimish Patel’s ideals live on in every stone, every lime-plastered wall, and every handcrafted detail of the projects Abhikram has shaped—and in the many architects, craftspeople, and collaborators who continue to be inspired by his vision.