Peata

PEATA has come to the age of youth on completion of 37 years of its inception.

All great institutions have humble beginning. During years 1962 to 1965 architects whenever they met in Municipal offices at V. T., Bandra or at Ghatkopar, they used to talk about their grievances. There is nothing new about it. It is todays phenomenon too. But the murmur then was different. Circulars were confidential. Architects were suddenly confronted with faith accompli Sorry, now Commissioner has instructed not to approve any plans in the wards". Some influential could get through but rest were left high and dry. They were flabbergasted. In those circumstances several young architects contemplated the positive actions and approach. Sarvashri H. G. Malkani, Rajani Shah, G. L. Raheja, Late Shri. Sanghoi, Shri. S. S. Bhawani were some of these young architects took initiative with many others.

All these talks efforts culminated in the meetings of the architects and engineers on 4th and 25th September 1965 at Radio Club attended by nearly 70 architects. The guild was born. The idea of inter disciplinary co-ordination and common platform caught up the imagination of profession though each discipline had their national institution catering to general interest. Name was given, first executive committee formed, constitution drafted, approved and submitted for registration which was granted on 29.3.'66. it was an unique effort to bring several complementary and supplementary disciplines under an single umbrella in order to cater to their day to day needs.

Initial response was guarded, are they fault finders? - thought few in public and government offices. But with our sincere, rational and amicable approach authorities started looking us as friends, so much so that then city engineer Shri. V. D. Desai in fact blessed us and at time guided us. This as followed by all successors like Shri. Patwardhan and Shri. P. M. Kale. Thus we grew faster.

In early period from 1965 to 1980 P. E. A. T. A. dealt with question of uniform policies to stop internal bickering, pointing ambiguity, seeking clarifications. Circulars were issued for clarification and city Engineer earned the nick name jocularly as Circular Engineer.

Side by side the efforts of continuing education by means of work shops, seminars, symposiums, study tour being integral part of activities of any professional body were carried out wherever possible jointly with other like minded bodies.

Till 1981 PEATA was following the policy of request, representation and persuasion. In 1976 Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act was passed. Its effect was not felt till 1980 due to works in pipe line. But the pinch was felt thereafter which created heart burning. The resentment started building up. There was no alternative, but to follow insistence on authorities to act as per law.

Since the PEATA has been in the forefront to safeguard the interest of practicing professionals in its own way starting with requests, persuasion and insistence from authorities as well as fraternity. The norms, conventions, and experience of hundreds of representations, discussions, negotiations, workshops, seminars and recommendation have enriched the association with experience and expertise which is unique. It has not remained silent spectator but has initiated legal actions when deemed fit.

By and large, a niche is created in the hearts of professionals and bureaucrats at local state and national level that there is an Association with mature and rational approach, which can be relied upon to give correct assessment of the policies and its effect.

After all, an association comprises of the persons. Buts its continuity of approach and actions have been the same taking one step at a time steadily and firmly in the envisaged direction. It is due to happy blending of old stalwarts mixed with new blood giving the experience and direction to others to continue the onerous tasks.