The Moksha Hindu crematorium, Kabristan for Khoja and Sunni Muslims and Lingayat burial ground recently received international
recognition through a feature in the prestigious architectural website Archdaily.
The project was designed by Rahul Deshpande and Associates for the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
It was initiated in 2011 by former Panjim MLA and chief minister late Manohar Parrikar, when he was the opposition leader. It was
executed by Goa State Development Authority (GSDA) at a cost of R 8.82 crore and was inaugurated in February 2021.
Archdaily, which features the world’s most innovative and creative works on architecture, applauds the design as “unique” and that while catering to four varied religious groups – Hindus, Khoja Muslims, Sunni Muslims and
Lingayats – the architectural character and language is expressed sensitively, giving each community a sense of
identity and personality.
It further states that the uniform use of exposed bricks and its earthy texture creates a sense of oneness of humanity. Rahul Deshpande is a structural designer with numerous awards to his credit, including a nomination for the Aga Khan award for Architecture for the Cuncolim bus stand and winning the NDTV Best Architect design for Valpoi bus stand.
He was a member of the task force that formulated the Regional Plan 2021 with Padma Vibushan Charles Correa. His other notable works are the redevelopment of EDC Patto Plaza, Mangeshi Temple complex redevelopment, Taleigao Community Hall and Shiroda bus stand.
