Letter to Ambika Soni, Minister of Tourism and Culture

To Ambika Soni
Minister of Tourism and Culture
R/No. 501, C Wing, Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
September 15, 2008
Ref : Renovation of the Rabindra Bhavan Gallery, Lalit Kala Akademi

Dear Ambikaji,
I have heard some alarming reports on the renovation work now ongoing at the Rabindra Bhavan Gallery. It was designed by my father Habib Rahman when he was a senior architect in the CPWD. The design evolved between 1959 and 1961 in direct consultation with Jawaharlal Nehru. As a memorial to Tagore, Panditji was particularly concerned that it reflect the ideals of Gurudev, and was very pleased with the final result.

The building is regarded as one of the finest examples of Indian Modernism, particularly one built by the CPWD which was not known for innovation. It has been the best gallery space in India, unmatched till today, and has seen two generations of Indian artists show their best work there.

While no one would object to upgrading the building, the artists commu¬nity has become alarmed at what seem to be drastic alterations which will destroy the design integrity and philosophy of the building. The neutral cement-tile flooring has been torn out and there seems to be a move to replace it with marble. No gallery in the world uses an expensive material like that which is totally unsuited to the needs of contemporary art. There are also unconfirmed reports that in order to add a lift to comply with disabled access, a separate lift shaft is to be built outside the exhibition block between the gallery and the Akademi block. This would be a total violation of the de¬sign integrity of the complex. There is also a proposal to punch through the facade on the Mandi House Circle side and put a glass wall there.
Both these proposals would be shocking changes to a historic structure. It is my belief that our Modernist buildings, of which Delhi has a distinguished collection, are as worthy of preservation as the Qutub and Humayun’s tomb complex or the Lutyens zone buildings.

If indeed these are the major changes underway, I appeal to you to set up a small com¬mittee of architects and artists to sit down and advise on the upgradation, which can cer¬tainly be done without permanently damaging the design of the complex. It is imperative that artists who actually use the space have a say in what is done to make it better suited to the needs of current practice.

Disabled access can easily be accomodated with modern stair rail lifts and small interior platform lifts. I also appeal to the Ministry and Akademi to retain the details such as the stair railings. I have also proposed for many years that the many skylights of the original plan be reopened to allow the illumination of the galleries with the indirect light which was a special feature of the space for many years.

I am enclosing some photographs and pieces from the professional press on the building which have appeared over the years.

With regards,
Ram Rahman

CC: Sonia Gandhi
SK Mishra, OP Jain, INTACH
KT Ravindran, DUAC
Sitaram Yechury, Chairman, Parliament Subcommitte on Culture