We have been hearing a lot about NASA, India lately. What exactly
is NASA, India?
The National Association of Students of Architecture, commonly
referred to as NASA, India is one of the largest communities of architectural
students in Asia. There are over 200 colleges under this organization. NASA, India provides an interactive platform for students all over the country by
holding conventions both at national and zonal levels. Colleges all over India
compete for the prestigious trophies which cover various aspects of
architecture. The conventions also witness participation from various colleges
in countries under SAARC. Architects across the SAARC nations have an
opportunity to interact with each other and come up with productive solutions.
This year, the 56th ANNUAL
NASA convention is going to be held at VAISHNAVI SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND
PLANNING, HYDERABAD.
The first time we heard that we won the bid for the 56th annual NASA convention, all of us went
BLANK. Yes, blank, out of utter shock and utter excitement. Then we screamed
with joy, “VSAP is hosting the 56th ANC!!!!!!!!”
To keep you guys posted on what’s happening, I, Divyasri Sunkara
will keep you updated through my blogs. So here I go.
A lot of things have happened in the last few weeks. Here are some
highlights:
After a seemingly endless stream of meetings, we can now say that
we have made acquaintance with all the people in College with whom we will be
working together. There are different departments categorized, and volunteers
have been chosen. A core committee has been formed and is working day in and
day out.
They said, let the work begin.
Many of us giggled, (inner thoughts) lets bunk the classes in the
name of NASA convention and get free attendance. Hehehe :D (Evil grin)
College always manages to smash our fragile fun loving thoughts,
and here it goes again. :P
Then came the notice:
ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WORKING FOR NASA ARE SUPPOSED TO WORK ONLY
AFTER THE COLLEGE HOURS. IF THAT IS NOT THE CASE, LOSE ATTENDANCE AT YOUR OWN
RISK.
Why? Why me? Why we? We had lots of questions in our minds.
Why did I buy into the hype? Did I really sign up for hours of
unpaid labour? What was I thinking? With submissions, presentations, designs
and NASA works, everything going simultaneously, how am I supposed to cope with
all this? What was I thinking, volunteering for NASA!
You can’t do it. You really can’t. You’re just going DOWN.
You will spend a lot of money on chai and biryani. Professors are going to ask
you why you haven’t been attending classes. You will have to buy and apply
copious amounts of under-eye night cream. Your grades will fall and your
parents’ BP will rise.
But it’s too late, the volunteer lists are out! You’re stuck.
Muahahaha.
Just kidding!! Relax!!
Right, wrong, maybe not. Let me give you an advice – TIME MANAGEMENT!!
Yeah, do that. Go to the classes, listen to the lectures, allocate specific
days for college works, do your home works at home, visit the library during
the break and attend the NASA meetings.
You’ll really enjoy it. We hope. No, really, working for NASA
isn't bad. And when it’s over, you will get the post-NASA blues. Every day,
after 3 pm, you will walk to your empty meeting room and stand there for a
while,
OK. Jokes apart, now on a serious note what is the fun to be
either in the organizing committee or in the volunteering team and take up the
entire headache when it is much easier to have fun from outside?
Yeah. It’s fun to be an onlooker, leaving the responsible stuff to
the rest.
But it’s more scintillating to be in the team as it enhances
skills like leadership qualities, team-work, patience, confidence and sense of
judgement which are quoted at the top at any organization or to become an
entrepreneur or be an independent person. Apart from all these skills, at the end of the day, you can proudly raise your collars and say, "WE HOSTED NASA".
All these not only teach you to work in groups and with people you
would love to work with or people who have contradicting interests than yours
but also in intense situations.
Many a time’s things wouldn't go the way you want them to. This
may lead to conflicts too, but one has to be really calm and composed. Don’t
worry, you can learn all these things as you walk along.
So don’t fight it. Let NASA mania take over you.
Keep following for more updates :)
