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From: "Architexturez." <admin-in@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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Date: Sat, 03 Jun 2006 20:33:32 +0530
A trip down memory lane
Mandira Nayar
Book relives important moments of Rashtrapati Bhavan in modern Indian
history
NEW DELHI: Edwin Lutyens seems to have found a sympathiser in President
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, another man who is famous for his design, but only
in a different way. A devoted husband, Lutyens wrote regularly to his
wife to tell her all about his work. An aspect about the architect who
created the Estate -- that has ceased to be a symbol of colonial rule to
become a landmark that Indians are proud of -- it was not the side of
"Ned" that most people would expect Dr. Kalam to be familiar with, when
he referred to it at the release of a book "Mansion Nonpareil -- Marvel
on Raisina Hill" this Friday.
"The building which we are living and work in was started in 1917 and
was ready in 1930. The architect wrote details about the work in letters
to his wife. She was a fantastic lady. She never wrote back even once. I
don't know, are all wives like that?" he asked, getting a huge laugh
from the audience.
cont'd...
http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/03/stories/2006060321770300.htm