PEATA PURSUIT
Established in 1965, PEATA India is a forum for Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association. Formed with the aim to safeguard the interest of practising professionals, it is a unique effort to bring several complementary and supplementary disciplines under a single umbrella in order to cater to their day to day needs.Every great institution has a humble beginning. During the years 1962 to 1965, architects used to discuss their grievances in municipal offices at V. T., Bandra or Ghatkopar. These are prevalent in today’s world as well. But with confidential circulars and sudden confrontations presented as a fait accompli, the scenario was different back then. Apart from some influential individuals, most professionals were left high and dry. In those circumstances, several young architects contemplated the use of positive actions and approaches. Sarvashri H. G. Malkani, Rajani Shah, G. L. Raheja, Late Shri. Sanghoi, Shri. S. S. Bhawani were some of these young architects at the forefront of this initiative with many others.The efforts culminated in the meetings of the architects and engineers on the 4th and 25th of September, 1965 at Radio Club attended by nearly 70 architects, giving birth to the guild. The idea of interdisciplinary coordination and a common platform caught up the imagination of the profession despite each discipline having its national institution catering to their general interest. The name was given, the first Executive Committee formed, the constitution drafted, approved and submitted for registration which was granted on the 29th of March, 1966.The 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 to look at us as friends, so much so that the then City Engineer Shri. V. D. Desai gave us his blessings as well as guidance, at times. This was then followed by all successors like Shri. Patwardhan and Shri. P. M. Kale, accelerating our growth.In the early period of 1965 to 1980, PEATA dealt with uniform policies to stop internal bickering and seek clarifications. Circulars were issued for clarification, which resulted in the City Engineer earning the jocular nickname ‘Circular Engineer’. Simultaneously, the efforts of continuing education by means of workshops, seminars, symposiums, study tours were carried out, in association with other like-minded bodies.
Until 1981, PEATA was following the policy of request, representation and persuasion. In 1976 Urban Land (Ceiling & Regulation) Act was passed. However, its effect was not felt until after 1980. There was no alternative left, but to follow insistence on authorities to act as per law.
PEATA PRIDE
Right from requests to persuasion and insistence from authorities as well as the fraternity, the PEATA has paved its way to safeguard the interest of practising professionals. The norms, conventions, and experience of hundreds of representations, discussions, negotiations, workshops, seminars and recommendations have enriched the Association with extensive experience and valuable expertise. Instead of remaining a silent spectator, it has initiated legal actions when deemed fit.
With its rational approach towards assessing policies and their effect, the Association has carved a niche in the hearts of professionals and bureaucrats at the local, state and national levels. PEATA believes in the continuity of approach and actions towards the envisaged direction, one step at a time.
PEATA PURPOSE
When the country attained freedom, our lawyers were at the forefront. Similarly, in order to achieve economic and social freedom, the united effort of all technocrats is imperative. PEATA strives to make its humble share of contribution towards the same, with its activities pursuant to the common goal.