Trainees appreciations and thanks
Trainees from all over the world appreciate in general very much our training courses.
Here are a few appreciations that we recorded only since 2004. Note that all the earlier appreciations have not been recorded.
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2015 |
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| Training course on CSEB Design, 2nd to 7th February | Very friendly atmosphere and lovely staff, Helpful with questions, concept good teaching materials. Appropriate setting to be so close to the CSEB production. |
| Intensive training course on AVD, 16th to 21st February | The course was really interesting and informative. I feel it has given me enough to explore my design and has also made me a lot more curious about experimenting with material and forms. I would have preferred to have a bit more time here and would definitely love to return to the earth institute again and learn more. |
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2014 |
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| Intensive training course on AVD, 6th to 11th January | It was a bit complicated in the beginning but I did understand eventually and it was quite brilliant then. But most of all I loved learning all this from people who know so much about all of this and I liked the Gaudi case study the most with all the discussions and exchanges. |
| Training course on CSEB, 10th to 22nd February | This training program has helped me a lot and also taught me more about earth and its various uses. Materially as well as spiritually. Thank you. |
| Training course on CSEB Design, 7th to 12th July | Wonderful course learned a lot, looking forward to be back for other courses. Learning to the maximum. |
| Intensive training course on AVD, 21st to 26th July | AVD was a very enriching experience. Am taking back a lot of knowledge back with me & hoping I get to use the technology soon. Shall keep you posted. Thank you for the guidance & a big thank you to the every helping staff. |
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2013 |
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| Training course on CSEB Design, 4th to 9th February | The course was excellent way to learn earth construction basics. Though there is further to learn through personal experimentation local climate, soil type of other aspects need to be explained. I am looking forward to come back to the Earth Institute for AVD & CSEB Production courses as well. The institute resource center is very rich and the staff is very helpful. |
| Training course on Ferrocement, 3rd to 8th June | The atmosphere is not one of an institute with its necessity for formality and obedience rather, the teachers are very informed, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The materials itself is very versatile and I had immense fun in learning the various forms and shapes that can be derived from ferrocement. Thank you. |
| Training course on AVD, 10th to 22nd June | This is a whole new experience for me since this subject is not followed everywhere. I came to know how a natural material i.e. clay can bear that much weight. This place is very peaceful and I enjoyed both learning and as well as leaving social with all people from offered walk of life. |
| Training course on CSEB, 16th to 28th September | Auroville is the best place for learning, communication, etc. and the course is fully satisfying with the every need we want. Thank you for introducing such a beautiful place and interesting course to me. |
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2012 |
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| Training course on AVD, 3rd to 15th September | I have seen pictures of various structures earth institute has done. But didn’t know how they were constructed. It was really a good course for me to clear my doubts and see the case studies regarding ways of construction. |
| Intensive training course on AVD, 16th to 21st July | The course was nice. Since I am a student, I got a first experience for building structure. I got a lot to learn about AVD structure which I would not have got anywhere else. The people were good. I hope the experience shall mature me as a person. |
| Training course on CSEB, 2nd to 14th April | As an architect or even architecture student, I never got the opportunity to work directly with the building materials. This was a great experience. Also, I believe that one student should refer the materials, context and climate of the zone, where he/she is building. Building with CSEB blocks or mud is the best way to respect the vernacular elements of the region, and I strongly highlight this idea my design philosophy. |
2011 |
| Mr. Ritin Gulati Indian student of Architecture Training course on AVD 5th to 17th December |
From website guestbook:: I had the most amazing experience being in the Earth Institute at Auroville in December 2011 for the AVD course. The entire facility, course, set up, hands-on experience were amazing. Surely gona return soon for CSEB course soon. |
| Ms.Stefanie Hofer Interior Architect from Germany Training course on CSEB 5th to 17th September |
From Trainees guestbook: Thanks you for sharing all your expertise to us. I hopefully will be able to implement it further into the field. Thanks! |
| Mr. Karma Wangchuk Civil engineer from Bhutan Training course on CSEB 5th to 17th September |
From Trainees guestbook: It was really good time to be part of this training program and I really enjoy my practical class. So thank you for giving us this opportunity! |
| Ms. Priyanka Agarwal Indian student of Architecture Training course on CSEB and AVD 5th September to 1st October |
Personal letter of thanks to Satprem: It was great learning under you! I had a very good experience. I will always cherish and remember these moments in Earth Institute. Thank you for your great help! |
| Ms. Dhedhipya Doradla Indian Student of Architecture Training course on CSEB 14th to 26th February |
From Trainees guestbook: The CSEB course is so useful with detailed data and hands on and even management of work is also taught simultaneously. It's rare combination to get enthusiastic teacher like Satprem sir and keen practical teacher like Ayyappan sir and even Venkatesh sir was also so helpful. Hands on is so helpful that one can go forward confidently with CSEB. Thank you very much for such a helpful course to Earth Institute. |
2010 |
| Ms. Shraddha Bahirat Indian Student of Architecture Training course on CSEB 28th June to 3rd July |
From Trainees guestbook: Falling short of words to thank you and appreciate the beauty of earth architecture. Indeed a very interesting and informative course. Thank you so much to sharing this wonderful knowledge with us. |
| Ms. Hend Elsayed Farouh Doctor, Architect from Egypt Training course on AVD 14th to 26th June |
From Trainees guestbook: It is one of the best courses I have ever attended. Everything was outstanding. The lectures, materials, participants and the Indian culture! Really. Thanks a lot for everything. |
| Mr. Salar Salah Muhyaldin Architecture Student from Iraq Training course on CSEB 5th to 17th April |
I am appreciating your people who enrich us by their experiences and let us to learn the philosophy of Earth Architecture and believe in that, and I am proud to be one who got that training course. Greeting to all of you. |
| Ar. Amit Palia Indian Architect Training course on CSEB 5th to 17th April |
From Trainees guestbook: Extremely beneficial and highly motivate. You lay the foundation of humanity with the Building Centre and Auroville on a whole. Hope I will be able to spread the essence of your efforts to other places. |
| Ms. Priyanka Bhandari Indian Student of Architecture Training course on CSEB 5th to 17th April |
From Trainees guestbook: In first time I worked with building & material, got confidence about many things. Very good courses. Teachers especially. |
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2009 |
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| Ms. Akansha Shrivastava Indian Student of Architecture Training course on CSEB 9th to 21st February |
From Trainees guestbook: This will help me a lot for my thesis. I would love to do more study about this technology. |
| Ms. Sabina von Kessel |
From Trainees guestbook: I learnt a lot and I will try to build with CSEB and rammed earth. Thanks!!! |
| Mr. Claude Gaborit French Engineer living in Bali Training course on CSEB 19th to 24th January | From Trainees guestbook: Very big gift of a tremendous experience, expertise and creativity…in such a smooth manner. Thank you! |
| Mr. Karan Shetty Indian Student Training course on CSEB 19th to 24th January | From Trainees guestbook: Very good programme learnt a lot of site conditions and good qualities of CSEB. Very impressive!!! |
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2008 |
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| Mrs. Saudamini S. Sakhalkar Indian Architect Training course on CSEB 15th to 20th December | From Trainees guestbook: I enjoyed learning about this good earth and what knowledge we should have to use it at its best. Mr. Satprem is truly the salt of this earth. |
| Mr. Disney Davis Cheruvathoor Indian Architect Training course on CSEB 15th to 20th December | From Trainees guestbook: The course was wonderful. Very thankful for teaching us rammed earth construction. Auroville Earth Institute rocks. Thanks again to Satprem Sir, Ayyappan Sir for taking pains in teaching us this wonderful subject. Would be back soon for AVD…thanks to all the Auroville Earth Institute staff too. |
| Ms. Monika Ashok Sharma Indian Architect Training course on CSEB 15th to 20th December | From Trainees guestbook: Lovely ambience. Amazing architectural facts, take us back to the roots of the creativity. Will follow the rein. |
| Ms. S.Keerthishri Indian Student of architecture Training course on CSEB 15th to 20th December | From Trainees guestbook: I learnt more than what I learnt in my last three years of college about construction. Thank you! |
| Ms. Debashree Banerjee Indian Student of Architecture Training course on CSEB 30th June to 5th July | From Trainees guestbook:
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| Mr. Agam Arunkumar Shah Indian Architect Training course on AVD 16th to 28th June 2008 | Email 21-09-2008 14:43: Dear Satprem, AVD was very good. Frankly speaking I don’t know if I would ever use AVD in future, but the best thing that I learned from you is the way you work – so energetic, passionate, always ready – and that too when you are nearing a half century old. I can’t do that at quarter century. Working with you has been a different learning experience in many different ways – the experience which would definitely be a lifelong motivation for me. I might not remember how to construct an arch or any other things that you taught us in two weeks but will surely remember you and respect for the other things that I have seen and indirectly learnt from you. And I thank you for that. You see AVD became secondary to me... |
| Mr. Ashfaq Abdul Gani Motlekar Indian Interior designer from Mumbai Intensive training course on CSEB 30th June to 5th July 2008 | Guestbook entry from Earth Auroville website 23-07-2008 18:24: Satprem is a man with a mission. His mission is to spread awareness about earth architecture and create AN ARMY OF ECO CONSCIOUS ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS ACROSS THE WORLD. The fact that he is willing to share years of his knowledge, experience and expertise makes him a rare individual. This would be his legacy on earth. I am indebted to him for teaching me what I know about earth architecture in such an efficient and no fuss manner. His hands on approach show his humbleness and friendly nature. InshAllah May God guide him and take him to newer heights of awareness and consciousness in all walks of life. Ashfaq |
| Mr. Ashfaq Abdul Gani Motlekar Indian Interior designer from Mumbai Intensive training course on CSEB 30th June to 5th July 2008 | Email 8-07-2008 10:01: Dear Satprem, I would like to express my thanks for allowing me to participate in the intensive CSEB course of July. Your amazing hands on approach... A smiling friendly and patient method of teaching that you practise shows you to be a very warm, concerned individual who has deep reserves of knowledge and the desire and willingness to share. Such individuals as you are few. The warmth and efficiency as well as the hospitality shown by all of your staff deserve a special mention too or it would be an injustice not to do so. Ashfaq |
| Ms. Hosnee Reza Chowdhury Architect from Bangladesh Training course on AVD 16th to 28th June 2008 Long term training 3 months – 18 / 05 to 18 / 08 2008 | From Guest book AVEI website 29-06-2008 16:12: I learned a lot from Architect Satprem for the AVD course... I am doing my Internship under Earth Institute... So I know... My boss is not only a good & Perfect Architect but also a very good teacher... So I look forward to the CSEB course... Hosnee |
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2007 |
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| Ms. Ashwini Rajesh Wade Indian Architect from Nagpur Training course on AVD – 3rd to 15th September 2007 Training course on CSEB – 17th to 29th September 2007 | Email 7-11-2007 17:53: Hello Satprem Sir, I am short of words to thank you for the inspiration that I got from you. Four weeks training period at the Earth institute was a life time experience for me... I learned many new things and I am definitely looking forward to apply it. Besides techniques what I learned from You is to be focused and dedicated for the work you love ... As You always do. You are the Constant source of Inspiration for me and many more!!! Thank you so... much. Ar. Ashwini wade |
| Ms. Poonam Verma Indian Architect, Ex student of 1992 Intensive training – 7th to 14th July 1992 On site work, 3 weeks, July August 1992 | Email 09-09-2007 10:55: Dear Satprem, So good to see you even though it was distressing to see you were not looking all that good. Concerns for your well being emerged instantly. Please do take care of yourself! You are a very special human being and a valuable professional in our midst. Writing primarily to say thanks so much for sparing the few moments. Poonam |
| Ms Monika Choudhary Indian Student of Architecture Theory and practice of AVD 4th to 16th December 2006 Production of CSEB 2nd to 7th July 2007 | Email 08-09-2007 21:03: Dear Satprem, I would like to thanks you for whatever I have learned from you and your institute. It was great time learning various techniques from your courses. You gave me direction towards my interests. We got a project to compile a detail term paper of any low cost famous architect and I have chosen you as I respect you for what you are. I take you as role model and would love to work with you some time. Monika |
| Ms. Shubha Mishra Indian Architect, Ex student of 2002 Training course on AVD – 2nd to 14th September 2002 | Emails 17-08-2007 9:28: Dear Satprem, You are one of those very good and devoted teachers that I really admire as a student - A Perfectionist in Earth Architecture. I really appreciate your architectural skills. And whatever earth architecture I have learnt yet is from you only. I really consider myself fortunate to have worked with you. Shubha Mistra |
| Mr. Balamurugan Rukmangathan Indian Student of architecture from Hindustan College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai. Long term trainee from 5th December to mid May 2006 | Email 02-07-2007 18:35: Dear Sir, I can understand that it is extremely difficult to run an institution of such stature, single- handed, all alone with absolutely no help from others. But this is precisely, your greatest strength. People look up to you, awe-inspired, for this quality in you to make possible the impossible, all alone. No one else can achieve a feat like this. Today, Auroville Earth institute is acclaimed worldwide. Its projects are rated among the best. The students and trainees from our institute are recognized all over the world as highly skilled in mud architecture. All this is because of one man, and its none other than you. We all owe you big time. Your purpose is to protect mother earth, create awareness in our society and instil knowledge in student community for many years to come. No one can match your stature. We all love you for what you are and we respect what you did for the society and students like me. Take care. My best wishes, Bala |
| Ms. Karolina Herezo Architect from Poland Long term in the office and site – 6 weeks (21/03 to 5/05/2006) Production and masonry of CSEB – 2 weeks (3rd – 15th April 2006) | Emails 29-06-2007 10:55: Dear Satprem, Ill tell You with no exaggeration: You were the first REAL teacher I have met, and the respect You gained in my eyes is enormous. I Hardly ever we meet people like You-dedicated to the Moral Code which You implement in what You do and how You do it. Karolina Herezo |
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2006 |
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| Ms. Idoia de Ajuria Student from Nederlands Training course on AVD – 4th to 16th December 2006 | From Trainees Guest Book: More close to the Divine. Idoia |
| Ms. Udaya Naidu Gottipati Indian Student of architecture from JNTU SPA Hyderabad Long term trainee from 27th February to 7th July 2006 | Email 3-8-2006 17:18: Dear Satprem, It was really a great experience working with you. I guess I have learned how to be systematic and planned with ones work as you do though I think it will take lot of time for me to reach your stage of perfection. Altogether I can say that I had learnt from you as a person and as an architect. Your perfection toward what you do is adorable. It is a rare opportunity to work with you and yes you are one of the most beautiful persons I have met in Auroville. Sir, all the best for all your future endeavours Thank you a lot. Udaya |
| Ms. Navisa Jain Indian Student of architecture from JNTU SPA Hyderabad Long term trainee from 27th February to 7th July 2006 | Hand written letter 7th July 2006: Dear Satprem Thank you for everything. Whatever I’ve learnt with you, I’ll carry with myself forever. My only regret is that I couldn’t satisfy you with my work entirely. Yet I accept that I did lose concentration. Take care, don’t overwork yourself. Thanks, Navisa |
| Mr. Balamurugan Rukmangathan | Email 29-6-2006 11:28: |
| Ms. Karolina Herezo Architect from Poland Long term in the office and site – 6 weeks (21/03 to 5/05/2006) Production and masonry of CSEB – 2 weeks (3rd – 15th April 2006) | Emails 24-5-2006 11:41 & 29-5-2006 11:17: Dear Satprem, I want to thank You from all my heart for all what I experienced here. For that You let me participate in Your work, for the course, for how Youve taken care of me. I experienced a wonderful, rich month. I dont need to tell You how sorry Im I have to leave. I want to come back to Auroville and I hope I could work with You then, if You let me. The work You do here, the way You do it and the personality You are, made me a great sympathy and respect to You. The people like You make me believe in this world. Thank You from all heart, Yours faithfully, Karolina Herezo |
| Ms. Harini T. Raja Ex student of Architecture from India Long term in the office – 3 months: 2/6 to 30/8 2003 | Email 18 -5-2006 23:54: Dear Satprem, Just wanted to give my regards to you, for all the wisdom that I got from you. Stay in touch. Sincerely, Harini |
| Mr. Vladimir Lapchine Russian Technician living in Thailand Production and masonry of CSEB – 10th to 15th April 2006 | Email 16-5-2006 16:51: Dear Satprem, I really respect you more and more after visiting Auroville and reading your manuals as well as your website. I also love Gaudi and one week ago I bought in Bangkok Architect 2006 Trade Fair beautifully illustrated book with his works. He is genius. May be you are too? Sincerely yours, Vladimir |
| Mr. Geri Sponsor of 2 trainees from Gambia (Mr. Alpha Omar Jallow & Mr. Foday Juwara) who attended the course Theory and practice of AVD – 12th to 24th Sept. 2005 | Email 27-4-2006 23:10: Hi Satprem You should be one very proud individual! Take a look at what one of your greatest fans has created. Alpha stood his ground when he got himself ahead of Phoday’s drawings. Alpha went ahead and this is the result. Phoday has taken it very well and it is wonderful to see the pride your two students have in their creation. Anyway, enjoy the opportunity to bask in the light of knowing that you and your technology has and is making a real difference to the lives of people here. Love and light Geri  |
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2005 |
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| Ms. Rashmi Desai Indian Architect Production and use of CSEB for disaster resistance Theory and practice of AVD 29th August – 24th September 2005 | Email 9-10-2005 21:51: Respected Sir, It was really a great experience at the Earth Institute in Auroville. I really enjoyed the course, learning different type of construction technology and at the same time meeting different people from over all different background and different cultures. I would even like to thank you for all the care you took, regarding the detail notes and the information you provided us, the food, all the accessories whenever required, the cleanliness etc. I haven’t seen a teacher who is so much devoted to and true to his work and principles! According to me Auroville earth institute is the best place for the students, where you learn a different form of architecture, and also, at the same time get an opportunity to experience a different form of life. A life full of Knowledge, less of restrictions, more of energy and enthusiasm and an urge to learn more. It’s a nice platform for Indian students to meet the students from different parts of the world, and at the same time for the outsiders, it’s a nice overview into the Indian culture. I had a nice interaction with people from different countries, different professions like architecture students, architects, engineers, and masons, etc. It really helped me broaden my view towards life. It helped me, to make good friends. I really thank you for all that you gave me, and I respect you for all the pains you have taken to build such an institute. I admire you for the amount of skills and knowledge you have. I would like to keep in touch with you. Thanking you. Yours sincerely, Rashmi Desai |
| Ms. Padmavathi Vishwanathan Indian Student Architecture Theory and practice of AVD 30th December 2002 - 11th January 2003 | Email 27-8-2005 19:18: Dear Architect Satprem, My name is Padma. I have also attended your training course for AVD theory and practical... I really enjoyed your videos on your website. They were very inspiring, very much touching and reminded me a lot of what The Mother had written about the joy of learning... I really respect your work and admire the creative teacher in you. I hope and pray that you will continue to impart knowledge exactly the same way you do just now in Mothers will... Thanking you... Best Regards, Padma |
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2004 |
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| Mr. Aftab Jalia | Email 11-11-2004 8:30: Dear Sir, Thank you for the wonderful course conducted by you at Auroville. It was a great learning experience for me and I shall cherish it for a long time to come. Yours sincerely, Aftab Jalia |
| Mr. Mukesh Butail Indian Student of architecture from India Visited once the Auroville Earth Institute | Email 11-5-2004 4:47: Auroville is one of the most wonderful places I have ever visited in my entire life till now. I enjoyed the knowledge sharing by Satprem Maïni at the Auroville Earth Institute. Mukesh Butail |
| Mr. Hahn Gi Lee Korean Architect Theory and masonry of AVD – Production and use of CSEB 30th Aug. to 25th September 2004 | Email 26-10-2004 20:13: Dear Satprem, How are you? I arrived well in Korea on 17th. But I miss Auroville already. Even though I was not in good health there, it was very interesting experience with your sincere teaching. My friends, who are interested in sustainable architecture, are proceeding to establish architectural studio and research institute with me. I believe your knowledge and experience will be very helpful for us. Thanks again for your teaching. With Peace, Hahngi |
Comments earlier than this last one have not been recorded.
To download complete Trainees appreciations and thanks as PDF. file, Click here
