Balkrishna Doshi nurtured a profound affinity for students and as an ardent learner throughout his life. He consistently ascribed the laurels of his achievements to his venerable mentors, whom he reverentially addressed as gurus. The years spent in the apprenticeship of Le Corbusier and in association with Louis Kahn became Doshi's life-school. In both these gurus, Doshi found distinct characteristics and essential qualities, akin to an acrobat and a yogi. The acrobat symbolizes curiosity and the audacity to explore beyond conventional limits, while the yogi embodies introspection and inner unity. Doshi believed that a well-rounded education requires both aspects - the daring to venture into the unknown and the introspection to find inner equilibrium.

Doshi's vision advocated for a limitless “school without doors” , where learning knows no boundaries. He emphasized the importance of opening not just one door, but many, to diverse avenues of knowledge. For Doshi,learning was always like osmosis, a lifelong activity that can happen if one is open and receptive to the signals of the guru, yet guided by one's own intuition. In his life, 'education implied exposure, assimilation, dialogue, and exploration' - made better when nurtured and shaped by a guru, beyond formal constraints and regimental thinking.

Today in observance of his birth anniversary, we at the Vastu Shilpa Foundation , deem it befitting to inaugurate an initiative that harmoniously echoes his intrinsic values and passions.

In a humble endeavor, we are establishing the 'Balkrishna Doshi : Guru Ratna Award' in his cherished memory- with the intent of bestowing it upon educators who diligently nurture an innate inquisitiveness and intuitive insight in the students within the realm of art, design and architecture, within the Indian subcontinent.