Vidya Bharati alumni and architect from Gujrat, Rahul Chothani helps to provide career guidance to budding architects of future

Shri Rahul Chothani hails from Kutch area of Gujrat and is an architect by profession. In a recent interview, he talked about his experiences as a Vidya Bharati alumni and gave valuable insights for students interested in joining the same profession as him. A brief extract of the interview is given below:
 

Interviewer: Please tell us something about your academic background?

Mr. Chothani: I did my primary schooling till class 7 from Shree Sahayog Sarasvati Vidya Mandir, in Gujrat. Later I joined another local in Gandhidham to complete my secondary and higher secondary education. After schooling I did my graduation in Architecture from Sardar Patel University. 

Presently I am working as an engineer architect at Timeless Design Studio in my hometown.

Interviewer: What made you take architecture as your chosen field of study?

Mr. Chothani: Since I was a student, I have always been drawn towards anything that allowed creativity. Creative pursuit’s skills and hobbies interested me a lot. I was also quite good at drawing. My present profession allows me to do what I have always loved. It is the technical rendition of my childhood passion.

Interviewer: What suggestion would you give to any Vidya Bharati student who wants to follow a similar career path as yours?

Mr. Chothani: I will be happy to mentor any student, who wants to go into the same profession as mine. I can say from my experience that whatever you learn from a college degree, a very less percentage of that is useful in practical work. In the workplace scenario one’s own perspective matters the most. If you have no innate sense of designing, a simple college degree will not help. Also it is essential for newcomers to decide upon a field of specializing while studying.  I would suggest the students to not only rely on a job. Initially they can start with it to gain experience, but they should aim to take up independent projects. The long-time scope in the field is quite good.

Interviewer: Can you share your school day experiences with the community?

Mr. Chothani: I firmly believe that 100% credit towards the development of my moral values goes to my school. Simple academics can be given by anybody, but cultural knowledge and importance of nationalism is something that is very unique to all Vidya Bharati schools. The schools are always ready to support all students in developing their talents, alongside studies.

Interviewer: Please tell us something about where you are from and your family background.

Mr. Chothani:  I belong from the Kutch area of Gujrat. My family consists of my father, mother and sister, who is also a Vidya Bharati alumni.

Interviewer: Are you associated with any kind of social work?

Mr. Chothani:   For now I am focussing on my career so I am not associated with some cause as such, but whenever someone needs my assistance, I always try to help them out. Also for the past 9 years I have been associated with an organisation who give spiritual guidance to people.

Interviewer: Would you like to give any message to Vidya Bharati students or school?

Mr. Chothani:  As I had mentioned earlier, Vidya Bharati is the best place to develop one’s moral values. Apart from that the school gives equal importance to the ‘Arts’ line as ‘Science’, which is beneficial to develop the inborn inclination of the students. I will encourage students to never feel pressured by what others think, and go after their own dreams. Also I feel that in the present scenario, proper career counselling is important for the students from an early age so that they have clarity. I would suggest all schools give more stress on that aspect. Besides that I am still connected with my school and keep on meeting the present director of my school. I also visit the premises whenever time allows.

Vidya Bharati thanks Shri Rahul Chothani for taking out time and sharing his experiences with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and want to tell your story as well, please email your contact details to info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.