Controversy over credits: Tilonia gives award back

The award was given to ‘‘barefoot architects’’, essentially locals without formal education, ‘‘for their contribution in building rainwater harvesting structures’’, houses for the homeless and the main campus building of the college, earlier called the Social Work and Research Centre meant for promoting rural skills.

However, three months after the award was presented, Raina lodged a protest with the foundation, claiming he had prepared the project’s architectural design.

After investigating the matter, the foundation accredited Raina for ‘‘preparing the architectural layout and the barefoot architects for the construction of the buildings’’.

‘‘We disagree with the revised decision of the foundation and are unable to accept the claims made by Raina,’’ said Roy, insisting that Raina was only a ‘‘designer’’ who prepared the initial concepts and not the ‘‘architect’’.

‘‘Raina’s contribution was only towards helping to prepare an initial layout of the Barefoot College campus by vastly benefitting from the knowledge and wisdom of local people, including rural women,’’ claimed Roy.

In an official statement, Roy said he felt that the ideology of the Barefoot College has been misunderstood and misrepresented. Following Roy’s decision to return the award, the Council for Architecture is slated to meet shortly and present their views on the matter.