Ummeed: A Ground for Inclusion

Sarkhej Roza is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The community residing in the land adjoining the ASI-protected grounds, to the southwest side of Sarkhej Roza is predominantly Muslim. The inwardness and conservative nature of the community are reflected in the ‘Pardah’ system where the women are not allowed to step out in public without their burkhas or the company of a male member of the household. This poses a grave problem for the women who wish to step out in open for relaxation or in some cases to work in order to earn an extra buck. Besides, the community also houses a Hindu Mosaan temple along with the Ashrafi and Baba Mastani Dargaah and mosque. Due to the lack of shared grounds offered to both the communities, the spaces are separated. However, the communities do wish to coexist amicably. Thus, the project ‘Umeed: A Ground for Inclusion’ attempts to address inclusiveness of religion and gender in the common communal spaces, fluidity of integration along with spatial quality with an aim to not only empower the women of the community but by bringing two communities closer. This project is a humble attempt to rebuild people’s connection with the land of the Bada Dargah (Sarkhej Roza).