Putting Yourself First - Healing Journey of a Rape Survivor | Gita Balakrishnan | TEDxNITKSurathkal

"Walk alone. Walk together. Walk for others. Walk for change. Walk to be changed.”
– Gita Balakrishnan, Founder, Walk for a cause

Traversing beyond blueprints and cityscapes, architect Gita Balakrishnan walks the vast canvas of India with a purpose far beyond the confines of her profession. With each step, she weaves a narrative of empowerment and inspiration for the myriad communities she encounters across the country.

So far, she has covered over 2500 kilometers on foot, moving from one city to the next in the hope of sensitizing people to the power of good design. Through her initiative, Walk for Arcause, Balakrishnan emphasizes architecture’s social responsibility and the need for architects to break down the catacombs of architectural jargon and the imposingly high walls of their practices to connect with the broader community.
Brimming with childlike zeal, undeterred by strenuous routes, and ever eager to strike up a conversation with anyone she meets, Balakrishnan is a gentle force in herself. She believes that construction workers should be included in design conversations, that history should be viewed through the prism of living monuments, and that design must shift from being a luxury to a right. For her, these walks are just a means to a greater cause.
An extraordinary architect, Gita Balakrishnan, approaches her craft uniquely by going beyond traditional structures to build stories, minds, and ideas. Since laying the foundation of Ethos in 2002, she has been dedicated to raising awareness about the built environment, supporting aspiring professionals, and creating a network of future leaders in design and engineering.
While her works have earned her widespread recognition, many do not know of some of the darkest moments in her life that she overcame to be where she is today. She has chosen to open up to the audience today on her personal life, priorities, setbacks and rising back.
Gita Balakrishnan's impactful contributions from her early career days extend to various community-driven initiatives, including various slum redevelopment programs as a part of her role at AVAS. This multifaceted engagement underscores her passion for positive change in community development and urban living, reflecting a dedicated effort to contribute meaningfully to various projects.
From her vivid portfolio in the two decades since, her most recent highlight is the "Walk for a Cause" initiative wherein she has been undertaking long distance walks between cities, states and even across borders to spotlight the importance of responsible design and the contributions of the Architecture and Design community to society. Every step in this journey contributes to building a better, more consciously designed future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx