25 yrs after Indira’s death,memorial gets facelift

Is the repair a conscious effort to make the 25th anniversary special? The management of the museum says no.

“It is just a coincidence,” said a member of the management. “Over the last 25 years,little repair work had been done and the building needed a facelift,so the CPWD took up the task,” he added.

A guard,however,said the repairs are being done after a nudge from Sonia Gandhi. “Soniaji used to come and point out at things that needed mending. Sometimes Priyanka Gandhi also comes to visit,” he smiled.

While most of the work is complete,what is yet to be done are the restoration of a picture hall and an audio-visual hall that will telecast a seven-minute video on the life and works of Indira Gandhi.

The audio-visual treat is not exactly a new concept. It was part of the tour ten years ago. But the screen was removed after it developed a technical snag.

The management is now trying its best to open it on October 31,when VVIPs will come visiting. But before that,the nearly 5,000 visitors who flock to the museum every day,are welcoming the change.

The inside of the building being closed to public,they can view the drawing room,the bedroom,the dining hall only through glass walls. The room dedicated to Rajiv Gandhi also holds special attention.