CHENNAI: Chennai-based architect M Mohseen Baig won the national award for the architectural poster design competition, for the second time in a row this year, at the Indian Architects Premier League, IAPL, held at Ahmedabad. The event is organised annually by the Indian Institute of Architects, IIA.
The League witnessed participation from 18 states in the country. Baig was also part of the Tamil Nadu Team which participated in the cricket tournament at the event. The Tamil Nadu team ranked third among the participating states, and Baig won the ‘Man of Match’ in the quarter finals.
“It is an honour to receive the award from renowned people in the field,” he said. “We have consistently been improving our performance year-on-year as a team. For me to win the poster competition again is incredible because my poster, on both occasions, reflected the culture and tradition of Tamil Nadu, showing us as a culturally rich state.”
Baig said that it was tought to coordinate for the cricket tournament because players had to be chosen from the entire state. And after the long selection process, the next challenge was to find a ground to practice. Finally, it was decided that Puducherry was the most convenient for everyone. Every weekend, the architects from the team got together on Sundays at 7 am and practised till 7 pm, before heading back to their respective cities.
“It was very hectic,” Baig said. “But when we came 14th last year at the cricket tournament, it was a huge improvement from our previous year’s ranking so that gave us a lot of motivation to work harder and do better. It is because of that drive and zeal that we came third this time.”
However, it was not easy for Baig as he injured himself during the cricket tournament match.
“I injured myself while playing and was rushed to the hospital,” explained Baig. “But even when I was in the hospital, I kept myself updated with everything that was happening through an app that was specifically designed for the event. I was so keen on the team doing well and not missing out on anything.”
Baig is a graduate of Measi Academy of Architecture and works at the architectural firm, Stapati.