Since time immemorial, the Indian ethos of Harappan culture has grown, developed, and prospered in the vast expanse of the Indus Valley civilization. The essence of that ancient Indian civilization could be summarized in the adage ‘Aham Brahmasmi—The Supreme God is in me.’ The human body is a temple, and the living spirit is the god of that temple, residing in the body as an ounce of universal energy in the form of a soul.
Life is a journey of that soul in pursuit of its final destination, where it will meet and become again part of the Supreme Cosmic God present in every atom of the infinite expanse of our cosmos. When the universe was created from energy, the chain of all events led to the creation of the human soul in the first place.
This eternal wisdom is the spirit of Indian philosophy that is alive in every Indian, every place, every city, and every village of this vast continent we call our beloved motherland—India.
Born in the village of Aale in Junnar Taluka, Avinash Baban Nimse grew up in a modest household with this profound philosophy thriving in its roots. His father was a teacher and a farmer. Aale, consecrated by the spiritual legacy of Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, was not just a place for Avinash but a source of inspiration. “Growing up in a village that valued simplicity and spirituality shaped my core values,” Avinash shared, reflecting on his upbringing.
He recites an Abhang (a type of hymn) of Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, “विश्वाचे आर्त माझे मनीं प्रकाशले । अवघेचि जालें देह ब्रह्म ।’ explaining the meaning ‘The quintessence of the universe got illuminated in my heart, and my entire body became the temple of the Supreme God – Brahma.’
However, life was never easy for him. From a young age, he faced numerous challenges. Yet, with the resolute support of his parents, Avinash pursued his education with determination, eventually earning a degree in Civil Engineering in 1993.
The Early Days of Engineering: A Call to Service
After becoming an engineer, Avinash’s career path wasn’t just about building structures; it was about building communities. “I’ve always believed that engineering isn’t just about creating buildings, but about creating a better society,” Avinash said. True to his word, his early career was marked by projects that had a significant social impact.
His most notable achievement was earning the opportunity to build the first green building in Pune for the corporate office of Thermax Ltd. “Sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword to me; it was a responsibility. We were creating an environmentally conscious space, and that felt rewarding,” Avinash explained. His work in sustainability and green architecture set him apart as a visionary in his field.
However, Avinash’s engineering journey didn’t end with buildings. He took on multiple roles in his community, from being a cleanliness ambassador with the Pune Municipal Corporation to a calligrapher, counsellor, and Apex Committee member. “My love for architecture is intertwined with my love for people. Whether I’m drawing letters in calligraphy or working on a civic project, it’s all part of the same effort to serve,” he remarked.
Founder of the Book Club Pune: Inspiring Minds Through Reading
In 2020, Avinash embarked on a new venture, one that was less about concrete and more about ideas. He founded the Book Club Pune, a movement aimed at fostering a love for reading among the youth of Junnar Taluka and the Pune district. “Books have always been my teachers, my way of understanding the world better. I wanted to share that joy with others,” Avinash said with passion.
The book club wasn’t just a side project; it was a movement that quickly gained momentum. Avinash, alongside a group of dedicated volunteers, established libraries in 15 locations and distributed nearly 6,000 books. During the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the book club even donated books to three COVID centres, bringing knowledge and comfort to those in need.
“Reading isn’t just a pastime,” Avinash asserted, “It’s a way to broaden horizons, to challenge our thinking, and to grow as individuals.” His dedication to promoting literacy was not just limited to donating books; he actively participated in organizing discussions, debates, and workshops, encouraging the younger generation to think critically and engage with the world.
Workmenship: The Core of Avinash’s Philosophy
As the CEO of Workmenship Consultants (India) Pvt Ltd, Avinash leads a company that focuses on delivering quality architectural and project management services. But for Avinash, workmanship isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a personal belief system.
“Workmanship is our basic culture,” he explained, delving into a subject that clearly holds great meaning for him. He had recently read the book Mandarya and was struck by how Indian culture is rooted in craftsmanship and tradition. “India has a rich history of sage traditions and agricultural practices that go back 9,500 years. Our sages didn’t just teach us how to live, but also the importance of craftsmanship in our daily lives.”
Avinash is particularly inspired by the ancient temples of India. “The temples aren’t just places of worship. They are embodiments of our culture, built with such attention to detail and quality that they have lasted for thousands of years. I think modern architecture could learn a lot from that.”
He contrasts the longevity of ancient temples with modern structures, expressing disappointment at how quickly some of today’s buildings deteriorate. “With all the advancements in technology, our structures today don’t last more than 100 years. Where’s the craftsmanship? Where’s the pride in building something that can stand the test of time?”
For Avinash, every project is an opportunity to revive the ethos of ancient craftsmanship and to create structures that aren’t just functional but enduring. “I believe in good workmanship. It’s not just about finishing the job; it’s about finishing it with excellence,” he emphasized.
Today, his son ‘Yash’ is an Architect, too, and is helping Avinash in this Business. Another son ‘Raviraj’ is an Accountant and is taking care of finances.
A Commitment to Social Welfare: Beyond Engineering
Avinash’s commitment to social welfare is as deep-rooted as his love for architecture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many were focused on personal safety, Avinash was thinking about how he could help the community. For one and a half months, he provided refreshments to sanitation workers and served tea to police officers. “They were on the front lines, keeping the city running while the rest of us stayed home. The least we could do was support them in whatever small way we could.”
Avinash is a Brand Ambassador for Pune Municipal Corporation for Swach Bharat Abhiyan. His participation in the cleanliness drives of the Pune Municipal Corporation further highlighted his dedication to civic responsibility. As a cleanliness ambassador, he helped raise awareness about waste management and sustainability. One of his most innovative initiatives was the preparation of compost using wet waste on his terrace, where he planted vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees. “Sustainability starts at home. If we can manage our own waste, we’re already halfway to a cleaner environment,” he noted.
The Art of Calligraphy: A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity
Avinash’s talents don’t end with engineering and social work. He is also a skilled calligrapher, blending art with activism. In one of his most notable projects, he organized a grand exhibition on Swachh Bharat (Clean India) awareness at the Balgandharva Rangmandir. Through his calligraphy, he conveyed messages about cleanliness and waste management, encouraging people to think more deeply about their environment.
“Calligraphy is like architecture in a way,” he said. “It’s about creating something beautiful with precision and care. It’s an art form, but it also has a purpose.”
Avinash’s calligraphy has become an extension of his philosophy of workmanship, where even the smallest details matter. Whether it’s a letter on paper or a building in the city, for Avinash, the focus is always on quality, precision, and impact.
Rotary Club and the Spirit of Service
For over 15 years, Avinash has been a member of the Rotary Club Pune Midtown, participating in numerous social activities. His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) further underscores his commitment to social service. “Service is something that has been instilled in me since childhood,” Avinash reflected. “It’s not just about giving back; it’s about being part of a community and contributing to its growth.”
His work with the Rotary Club has involved a wide range of initiatives, from health camps to educational programs. But no matter what the project, Avinash approaches it with the same dedication and care that he applies to his architectural work. “Whether you’re building a school or organizing a blood drive, it’s all about making sure the details are right, that the people you’re serving feel cared for and respected.”
The Legacy of Workmanship and Service
Avinash Baban Nimse’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, service, and craftsmanship. From his humble beginnings in a small village to his role as the CEO of a successful consultancy firm, Avinash has remained grounded in the values of hard work and community service. Whether he’s building green buildings, distributing books, or creating art through calligraphy, his focus is always on leaving a lasting impact.
“Workmanship is our culture,” he says with conviction. “It’s about more than just doing the job; it’s about doing it well, with care, and for the good of society. That’s what I believe in, and that’s what I’ll continue to strive for.”
In a world where speed and convenience often take precedence over quality, Avinash’s philosophy reminds us that good workmanship and community service are not just ideals from the past—they are the foundation for a better future.
You can connect with Avinash via avinash@workmenship.com or call him @+919511626782.
