MB#61: 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧.

[MemoirBlogthon #61] When the Prime Minister's visit required a secure, high-standard residence, the three-month deadline to renovate an old building fell to my father. He took the high-stakes assignment as an opportunity, transforming the structure into a palace-like VVIP Guest House. This feat of meticulous planning and ethical execution remains a lasting testament to his engineer's ethic and the unwavering integrity he demonstrated under political pressure.

MB#61: A Feat of Meticulous Professionalism

The Engineer's Ethic:

In 1978, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Vijayawada for three days placed an enormous responsibility on the district administration. The requirement was not just any accommodation, but a secure, high-standard building ready to host the nation’s top dignitary.

As a high-profile visit, the task of identifying, renovating, and maintaining the VVIP accommodation naturally fell to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department's public buildings division. However, the initial search for a suitable, independent building proved challenging.

The solution came from Hyderabad headquarters: acquire an existing, old building from another department, alienate it to R&B, and refurbish it exclusively for high-profile dignitaries. The District Collector, after a joint inspection with police and revenue officials, approved an old, tiled house in the heart of the city due to its security potential and proximity to the proposed public meeting venue.

The Renovation

Once the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) approved the site, the R&B headquarters sanctioned an estimated ten lakh budget (over \$1 million dollars, adjusted for purchasing power) for the project. This was to be a complete transformation: new furnishings, fresh paintings, modern electrical fittings, air conditioning, and landscaped lawns.

My father was not initially in the planning meeting, but when the Collector sought a competent engineer, my father's name was given the top rank. Though he was primarily in charge of the R&B Mechanical Circle, he was immediately delegated the mission to remodel the structure to the PMO's high standards. He was given a tight three-month deadline.

"I am glad to say that the state government designated me to play an important role to acquire infrastructure to renovate a safe and secure building till such time as it is used as a government guest house," he told me.

I personally witnessed the dedication. I saw him visiting several outlets in Vijayawada, inviting quotes, and formalizing proposals. He even toured Madras (now Chennai) and the state capital, Hyderabad, to acquire the necessary infrastructure. His team completed the challenging work a full week ahead of the PM’s scheduled arrival.

The Philosophy of Professionalism

The building, transformed from an old tiled house into a palace-like accommodation, was a monumental success. My father was cool in accepting all the applause from the District Collector, the entire district machinery, friends, and family.

"I proved myself that once an assignment is given to me, I would take it as an opportunity and fulfil my obligations heartfully with utmost professionalism," he explained. "This is what every engineer must learn to demonstrate integrity and honesty towards work and perform ethically."

Another engineer who worked with him later confirmed his character: "SSSastry garu did a marvelous job with appropriate accounting for whatever was spent out of budget. We don't see such a meticulous planner, honest to the core, who works in the interest of government rather than being self-centered."

The day he took all our family members to see the renovated building, explaining every nook and corner and detailing the exercises they did to mold an old building into a luxurious structure, remains a proud memory. Whenever I pass through that monumental building now used for VVIPs in Vijayawada, I recollect that it stands as a testament to my father's stature and his unwavering Engineer's Ethic.

MB#61: Quiz

MB61: Question: The need for a secure, high-standard residence in 1978 was triggered by the upcoming visit of which dignitary?

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• A. The President of India.
• B. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
• C. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• D. The Chief Justice of India.

MB#61: Quote

"The strength of a building lies in the honesty of its architect." – Marilyn Monroe