Project Description
[Text submitted by the Architect] Jetavan is a beautiful Centre, in rural Maharashtra, built for the holistic development of the community. The half-acre plot has over 40 trees, and not one was cut to make place for the centre. Jetavan was built using fly ash, quarry dust, to make the walls, cow dung for the floor, and mud rolls made from used gunny bags placed on wooden rafters from old ships for the roof. The centre was designed by Sameep Padora and associates. Artisans from Hunarshala in Kutch helped build the structure, land was contributed by Godavari Biorefineries (flagship company of the Somaiya Group), and funded by donors from India and abroad. This is an initiative of the K. J. Somaiya Centre of Buddhist Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and was conceptualised when Ven. Dhammadipa visited Sakarwadi 2 years ago, and thought that a Centre to cater to the all round development of the community was necessary. Many members of the community here follow Ambedkar, and follow Buddhism. Ven. Dhammadeepa felt that they must be educated in what were the basic principles of Buddhist thought. Academically, this fit in well with what the K. J. Somaiya Centre of Buddhist Studies wanted to do, as an outreach project. More importantly, Shri K. J. Somaiya wanted to create a society which was inclusive, and members of society that Hinduism had earlier denied opportunity, would be treated as the main part of Hindu Society. I believe, that Jetavan will be a Centre to teach academics, vocational studies, health, and spirituality to all members of the community. It will be a complement to the 3 schools that Somaiya Vidyavihar runs in the area.
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