Right decisions at the right time and a consistent effort at improving his profile helped Taha Mughal to study architecture at the best places on earth, writes Hashim Bilal
Taha Mughal, an architect and artist from Srinagar, has achieved remarkable success on an international scale. His journey from Srinagar to reputed global universities, supported by scholarships worth two crore rupees, is a story of dedication, interdisciplinary learning, and the value of mentorship. His educational journey began at Minto Circle and Tyndale Biscoe schools in Srinagar.
After schooling, Taha pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), graduating in 2015. His time at SMVDU was transformative, providing him with technical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Taha’s passion for learning and excellence led him to seek opportunities abroad. He earned an MPhil in Heritage Studies from the University of Cambridge in the UK, which deepened his understanding of architecture’s historical and cultural contexts. The academic environment at Cambridge helped Taha balance his academic pursuits with technical expertise, enhancing his overall approach to architecture.
Harvard and Pennsylvania
After completing his MPhil, Taha chose the University of Pennsylvania in the US for a Master of Science in Design. Reflecting on his educational choices, Taha recognises institutions like Harvard’s prominence and brand value. Despite Harvard’s global reputation, he chose the University of Pennsylvania because the programme offered at Harvard was essentially a continuation of what he had already studied in his MPhil at Cambridge.
“Harvard is a better brand than the University of Pennsylvania, but Harvard offered me a course which was a continuation of what I had already learned in my MPhil at the University of Cambridge,” he explained. This strategic decision allowed Taha to balance his academic journey, ensuring that he gained new knowledge and skills rather than repeating content he was already familiar with. His time at the University of Pennsylvania thus became a crucial step in his overall academic and professional development.
Interdisciplinary Approach
In addition to his work in architecture, Taha is also an artist and writer. He believes that creativity in one field enhances the other. His experience in writing fiction provides him with valuable insights into human behaviour and social dynamics, which he incorporates into his architectural projects. This interdisciplinary approach enriches his work.
“Practicing architecture and writing as a creative content writer has not bothered me at all,” Taha said. “My imagination in writing helps me to implement and create diverse outcomes in architecture. Whatever you learn in one dimension, you can implement in another dimension.”
Educational Systems
Taha contrasts Eastern and Western educational systems based on his experiences. He noted that Western universities offer robust support systems and continuous guidance from mentors, which were crucial for his academic and personal development. In contrast, he observes that Eastern education systems often lack such support.
Based on his experiences at Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania, Taha found that Western universities view students not just as learners but as individuals with needs and challenges. This approach to education, which includes mental health support and personalised mentoring, was invaluable to him.
Ongoing Research
Currently, Taha is involved in several projects, including architectural documentation funded by the Barakat Trust UK and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. Besides, he is translating Kashmiri literature, aiming to make important works accessible to a broader audience and contribute to cultural preservation.
One of Taha’s significant achievements is the translation of the History and Culture of Baderwah, which earned him the Dara Shikoh Scholars Award in 2019. Taha credits his success in gaining admission to prestigious universities and securing scholarships to his strong writing skills and published works. He underlines the importance of writing in building a compelling application and academic profile.
Knowledge Advocacy
Taha’s journey has been influenced by the support and guidance of others. Introduced to scholarship opportunities by a friend, this played a crucial role in his academic path. This experience shaped his views on the importance of sharing knowledge, opportunities, and expertise with others.
“Opportunities unfold when someone decides to share them,” Taha admitted. “It is the only way to move forward.” Through his journey, Taha has experienced the positive impact of shared knowledge and support, and he is committed to paying it forward by helping others access similar opportunities.
Taha believes that sharing knowledge and resources can create a ripple effect, leading to collective progress. His success is a result of this collaborative approach, and he encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He stresses that individual achievements are often built on the support and encouragement of others, and by sharing opportunities, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community.