"It really tells the story of how as a city we have become aware about restoration and conservation," noted architect Brinda Somaya reminded us in the middle of accepting our congratulations to the news that the project helmed by her firm, Somaya and Kalappa Consultants, had received an Honourable Mention for the Rajabai Clock Tower and University of Mumbai Library Buildings at last week's UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

The 'it' she was referring to is the recognition that is finally paying off for the relentless effort put in by Mumbai's heritage movement that included the World Heritage Tag conferred upon the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble in July this year. Last year, too, the city fared well at these awards, with four wins – Christ Church (Award of Merit), Wellington Fountain (Honourable Mention), Bomanjee Wadia Clock Tower (Honourable Mention) and the Royal Opera House (Award of Merit). Back in 2015, the JN Petit Institute had won the Award of Distinction. It made us smile as we checked this healthy list of honours for our commitment to heritage.