When eminent lawyer, politician, and activist Rajni Patel (1915 - 1982) resolved to set up a memorial dedicated to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, a motley group of scientists, historians, writers, litterateurs and thinkers across verticals got together to conceptualize the envisioned structure.
They relayed their ideation to visionary architect I.M. Kadri who brought it to fruition in the form of a distinctive, 260 feet cylindrical monument marked by intricate fretwork, and home to a magnificent auditorium, permanent exhibition titled ‘Discovery of India’, well-equipped library, lavish theatre devoted to performing arts, exquisite art gallery, and several spacious workspaces. Adjoining the structure is the grand Nehru planetarium.
The landscaped elevation from ground level represents India’s strong agricultural roots and primeval courtyard traditions. The subsequent inclines epitomize the country’s big leap forward in terms of industry, infrastructure, and commerce.
An interesting feature of the 1000-seater auditorium is its sloping roof (courtesy, the slanted garden above it) which could have triggered an acoustic nightmare but for the imposing M. F. Husain paintings that act as sound absorbers besides celebrating the Nehruvian principles of science, heritage and peace through a visual tribute.
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PS: This building was the karmbhoomi of my father Dr. Yashwant Raikar after his retirement from the Archaeological Survey of India. He was one of the core team members who designed and developed the exhibition-centric theme titled ‘Discovery of India’ based on Pandit Nehru’s vision of India.