Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts to find pride of place in Rajghat facelift

NEW DELHI: Mahatma Gandhi’s inspiring thoughts will now be displayed prominently at Rajghat. In its plans to give the memorial a facelift, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has proposed displaying Gandhiji’s quotes at the three entrances to the memorial. Enhanced security and beautification of the grounds form part of the proposal, which was recently given the go ahead by the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC).
“CPWD wants to revamp the iconic memorial, which today has electrical poles and wires placed in a hazardous manner,” said Professor PSN Rao, chairperson, DUAC.“There also are small and dilapidated office units in a corner of Rajghat, which will be razed down and rebuilt to conform to the surroundings.”
A big focus of the revamp will be the security set-up. “CCTV cameras do not cover the whole of the complex, only the central areas,” said a CPWD official. “The idea is for complete CCTV coverage of the entire expanse, including outer areas, and so we will put up more security cameras.” There are also plans to construct a guest house and install a solar power system and LED lights at the memorial complex.
However, the most visible change will be the display of the Father of the Nation’s famous sayings, or amrit vachan, on the peripheries of the memorial complex. “Mahatma Gandhi’s memorable quotes are being selected by Rajghat Samadhi Samiti members to be put up at the three entrances. At least six messages will be displayed at each place for visitors to read as they enter Rajghat,” said an official.
DUAC recently approved CPWD’s plans after officials of both the organisations paid several visits to Rajghat. “We have agreed to all the proposals, though the design for the new office blocks will be given to us soon,” said Rao. “We need to ensure the continued sanctity of Rajghat and any new construction has to be sensitively located.”
The work on the changes is expected to begin shortly and is likely to be completed within a year’s time.