Handcraft Touch to College Memories: Architectural Model of Government General Degree College, Nakashipara
Introduction
An artist’s creation is always born out of a fusion of memories and love. Sometimes it revolves around a beloved person, sometimes around a cherished institution. Whenever something is built out of love, the artist unknowingly becomes deeply emotional. The same happens with me—into every work I pour the colors of my feelings. And when that creation is for someone close to my life or for an institution I hold dear, the depth of emotion multiplies.
Almost nine years ago, I created an architectural miniature model of my college and gifted it to the institution. With the passage of time, that model may have grown old, and due to lack of proper preservation, it has somewhat faded. Yet the memories attached to it remain vivid and untouched in my heart.
Recently, I recreated the model once again—this time on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. It is not just a representation of architecture; rather, it stands as a small token of gratitude and respect towards all my professors, lecturers, and staff of the college. The decision to present it again has turned into something profoundly emotional and meaningful for me.
In this blog, I will share the story of this journey—from every step of building the model to the unique moment of handing it over to our respected OIC Sir at the college. Alongside, I will revisit the memories of the first model I built nine years ago and the emotions tied to it.
I warmly invite you to join me on this journey of art and emotion.
Why I Made It Anew
It’s not very common to gift the same person or the same institution the same thing twice. So naturally, many might wonder—why did I once again present a similar model to my college?
Back in 2016, nearly nine years ago, I first created an architectural miniature model of my college. At that time, I was a student myself. I still vividly remember the joy of presenting it to the then OIC, Dr. Partha Karmakar. For many years, that model remained preserved in the college. However, with time, changes are inevitable. Since it didn’t have a glass cover, dust had gathered on it, dulling some of its beauty. At the same time, over the past few years, the main building of the college has also undergone some modernization—altering its original architectural appearance.
That first model was an entirely new attempt for me. Limited materials, lack of experience, and time constraints—all together gave that work a raw yet genuine touch of emotion. I built it purely out of love back then.
But this time, the situation is different. Over the last nine years, my experience in model-making has matured significantly. So in this work, I’ve combined not just emotions but also the essence of that experience. The new architectural miniature model of the college has been created with a blend of love, memory, and acquired skill.
That said, this model too is far from flawless. It cannot be called perfect. Yet for me, it was a second chance—to do a little better than before, to apply what I’ve learned over these years, and to elevate my creation one step further.
👉 And right at this point, I can’t help but recall the experience of making that very first model—each moment of which still remains an invaluable memory to me.
Memories of the First Model
Year 2016. I was then a first-year student at the college. As soon as my final exams ended, one thought kept circling in my mind—could I create a miniature replica of the college building? By that time, every corner, every corridor, every classroom had become so familiar to me that I could picture them all clearly with my eyes closed. So, without any professional blueprint, I began sketching the design of the model purely based on my own experience and imagination.
At that time, the college building had only two floors. When I started working in September, I planned it as a two-storied structure. But soon I noticed construction had already begun to add a third floor. So, I decided my model too should have three floors. Midway through my work, I had to make a major change. Though challenging at first, with some creative adjustments and modifications, I successfully included the new floor in my model.
The primary materials were wooden toothpicks, paper, and glue. I cut each stick separately to make panels, then carefully measured, joined, and assembled them to gradually build up the miniature replica of my college. After nearly two months of effort, the architectural model was finally completed on 20th November.
Then came the wait—for the moment I could present it to the OIC, Dr. Partha Karmakar. At last, that dream day arrived in December, during the Freshers’ Welcome and Cultural Program. Right after the event began, the model was handed over to Sir. That moment was overwhelmingly emotional—not just for me, but also for my friends at the time. Because, although the model was made by my hands, I had gifted it on behalf of all of us.
Even today, countless memories resurface around that little model—laughter, excitement, friendship, and a strange sense of pride. So when I decided to build the model again, I hesitated for a while, wondering if it was right to touch those old memories. But eventually, I resolved to keep the old model with me as a cherished keepsake, and gift the college a new one—more refined, enriched with experience, and created in the present time as a fresh architectural miniature model.
The Journey of Creating the New Model
At first, my thought was to bring home the old model, clean it properly, place it inside a glass box, and then give it back to the college. But after examining it closely, I realized—back then, with the limited resources and experience I had, many mistakes remained in the model. It struck me that if I got another chance to build it, I could avoid those errors and create something more precise.
So, amid hesitation, I gave myself a second chance. And thus began the journey of creating a brand-new model.
20th August, 2025. With permission from the current OIC, Dr. Binayak Chandra, I brought the old model home. And from that very night, the work on the new model began.
🛠 Materials Used
I always feel more comfortable working with natural items. Avoiding plastic as much as possible is my goal. So, for this project, the primary materials were—
- Paper
- Wooden toothpicks
- Glue
Alongside, a few special materials were needed—
- MDF board and plywood (for the base)
- Vinyl stickers (to beautify the base)
- Glass (to make a box protecting the model from dust)
⏳ Time & Effort
- Used more than 7,000 toothpicks
- Worked 4–6 hours daily on average
- From scratch to placing it inside the glass box, it took about 15 days
🎥 Video Journey with the Model
Since my student life, my college has always inspired me to try new things. Every time I start a project connected to the college, countless new ideas flow into my mind. This time was no exception.
I didn’t just stop at making the model—I documented the entire process in small video clips. Each stage of the video became a witness to my journey. Later, I uploaded them on social media, so that others too could see how patience and love gradually bring a model to life.
👉 YouTube Playlist: Mini Craft Vlog – College Model
👉 FB Playlist: Mini Craft Vlog – College Model
For more such videos and glimpses of my craft journey, you can follow—
📌 YouTube: @arnabbasu513 & @upahar18
📌 FB/IG: @arnabbasu513 & @upahar18
This model, to me, is not just a project, but another chapter in my journey of learning.
Introspection of one's own work and gaining new experience
From my own observation, I feel that this model is far more refined compared to the previous one. The earlier work was quite basic, but this time it has come out with greater precision. Maintaining design accuracy, following the correct scale, placing pillars–windows–doors in their proper positions and proportions—all these aspects have significantly improved the overall quality. There are some notable differences between the two works.
The key differences are—
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Blueprint and Data: The earlier model was made without any data. This time, I worked with proper measurements, data, and planning.
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Use of Tools: Earlier, I used only scissors for cutting. This time, along with scissors, I also used a machine for some parts. As a result, the model’s edges turned out much more precise and clean-finished.
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Inclusion of Mononkunja: In the previous model, the size was small, so I couldn’t include the Mononkunja in front of the college. This time, because of the larger size, I was able to add that section, which beautifully represents the complete structure of Government General Degree College, Nakashipara (known to alumni as Muragachha Government College).
In addition, this time I also gained a new experience—making a glass box.
To protect the model from dust and damage, I decided to place it inside a glass box. With the help of my friend Monojit Dutta, we made the box together. I had no prior experience in this, but now I’ve learned the entire process. So in future projects, I will be able to create glass boxes on my own.
All in all, this project is not just an artwork for me, but also a way of boosting my self-confidence. By creating a miniature version of a familiar place, I feel more inspired and confident that in the future I can surely take up order-based model-making projects as well.
The Experience of Gifting This Time
This year’s Teachers’ Day was truly different for me. On the 9th of September, 2025, during the Teachers’ Day program organized in our college, I presented a newly created architectural model of the college as a gift—not just to the institution, but to all the professors, lecturers, and non-teaching staff.
Previously, as a student, a few of my friends and I had gifted a model to the college. But this time, the experience was entirely different. This time, I was able to present the gift as the President of the Alumni Association. So, it was no longer just my personal effort, but a token of love and respect from the entire Alumni Association towards our college.
The program began with lighting the ceremonial lamp, garlanding and offering flowers to the portrait of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This was followed by a cultural program, after which the current students presented gifts to the teachers. Finally, on behalf of the Alumni Association, I presented the model. I specially requested our OIC Sir, Dr. Binayak Chandra Mahashay, to remove the cover and unveil the model before everyone.
As soon as Sir unveiled it, all the professors, lecturers, and students present were delighted and amazed. Almost everyone came up to me and said that the model was very beautiful and that they could easily relate it to the main building of the college.
At the end of the program, I, along with some other alumni and current students, placed this special gift in the designated spot in the Principal’s office.
The appreciation and love I received from everyone that day was undoubtedly my greatest achievement of the year.
Conclusion
Making this kind of model is not just an art project for me, but rather a journey.
Perhaps this is why it is said—everyone should be given a second chance in life. I myself have found that proof in my own hands. I gave myself a second chance to create the model, and compared to the earlier one, I was able to make this one much better.
👉 I would also love to know your opinion—feel free to comment and let me know whether you liked the earlier model more or this one.
While creating this new model, I corrected the mistakes from the previous one. And the areas where I now feel there was still scope for improvement, I will try to make those even more perfect in any future project.
This model will always remain special to me. Because within it lies the memory of my student life, the experience I gained through hands-on learning, and the unique joy of expressing gratitude to my beloved institution.
Do you want your own miniature model?
If you would like an architectural miniature model for yourself, as a gift for someone, to decorate your space, or to honor a beloved institution—you can get in touch with me. I will create a model tailored to your requirements.
🛒 Additionally, on our online store Upahar18, you will find a variety of handcrafted products and customized print products. We deliver all across India.
👉 And once again, a gentle reminder—if you want to follow my craft journey more closely, make sure to follow my and Upahar18’s social media accounts. In the future, I will continue sharing the stories, emotions, and experiences behind my handcrafted projects on our official website through blogs.
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