HALF A CENTURY OF GRATITUDE

Based in New Delhi, Suneet Mohindru established his landscape consultancy practice Oracles in 1997. With deep interest and commitment to academics, he has been associated with various architecture, landscape and urban design programs in the country, as educator and at times as a mentor. Suneet shares his life journey, inspirations and his views about landscape architecture – the subject, discipline and profession

Upbringing: Home and School

Having been born and brought up in Delhi, I treasure the herculean efforts of parents to raise me against several odds. To challenge my limits and strive to achieve the impossible became my natural instinct. Schooling at the Army Public School gave immense cosmopolitan exposure and an understanding of cultural milieu in an environment where apart from mates who would be your familiar anchors for the entire span of twelve years would be constantly stirred by new ones who joined the ranks as their fathers got posted in and out of the city. The latter’s travails and experiences enriched my perspectives on life.

Resources were limited at home. There was hardly any travel. Yet, moving about in the city of Delhi with parents visiting friends and relatives, staying at their places for short periods and the strange feeling of returning home gave me the first understanding of what we call ‘Sense of Place’. Was the seeding of love for landscape and urbanity starting here? I don’t know.

For sure, it was made amply clear by our parents that if anything, it would be our personal efforts alone that would determine the higher education that we would receive. Competitive spirit took deep roots.

Architectural Education

Architectural education at School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, was the best thing to unfold in my life. I could choose a profession that would continue to nourish my creative spirit – the essence of being alive.