IT’S OUR HERITAGE, DON’T
PLAY WITH IT, MR PRESIDENT
A solar project at Rashtrapati Bhavan? No. Please
Patwant Singh
India’s 11th President, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, is a
scientist of distinction whose immense contribution towards getting
India recognised for its scientific achievements is widely acknowledged.
Since a scientific mind calls for rational and clear-headed thinking it
is difficult to understand his insistence on pushing through two schemes
unworthy of him, his impressive qualifications, and his status.
SWHis proposal to use 20 acres in the President’s Estate to build one of
Asia’s largest solar photovoltaic plants, in addition to a convention
centre and an office complex is, to say the least, outrageous. The
President’s House is a heritage site which he cannot trifle with. It
belongs to the nation; and to India’s future generations. Not to someone
who occupies it for a few years. No doubt it is reminiscent of British
rule, but so also are many other priceless buildings. Even though they
represent different periods of history when India was a vassal state,
would disfiguring them help change our history?
People in the upper echelons of power need to be reminded of the
interest even alien rulers took in the building of New Delhi. King
George V while laying its foundation stone on December 15, 1911, said:
“It is my desire that the planning and designing of the public buildings
to be erected will be considered with the greatest deliberation and
care, so that the new creation may be in every way worthy of this
ancient and beautiful city.” He was not talking of a project in Britain,
but in a distant colony. Yet he was deeply concerned. But we, who now
have possession of our country and its incomparable heritage are
destroying it piece-meal.
cont'd....
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