JN Stadium done up for Pope8217;s mass

NEW DELHI, NOV 1: It took architect Neehar Raina an entire month to design the stage where Pope John Paul II will make his main public ap...

NEW DELHI, NOV 1: It took architect Neehar Raina an entire month to design the stage where Pope John Paul II will make his main public appearance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on November 7. Helping Raina were 27 other people who worked round the clock to ensure that every detail was taken care of.

The podium itself is shaped like a huge Cross 8212; with two pairs of hands. The hands at the front are stretched towards heaven 8212; symbolic of prayer. A pair of folded hands at the back are holding a white Cross that rises to the height of 45 feet. In between the two pairs of hands, is the special Papal chair where Pope John Paul II will sit. The hands serve as a 8220;visual enclosure8221; for the Pope8217;s chair.

Architect Raina elaborated on the design in an interview to The Indian Express: 8220;The Cross and the hands are made of plywood. The entire structure is covered with cotton cloth. I have used bright colours including blue and yellow interspersed with white. Also, the colour scheme ensures that the Pope isthe converging point of the stage.8221;

As the 79-year-old Holy Father suffers from poor health, Raina has taken extra care to provide certain facilities. 8220;As he is unable to walk or climb steps, our team has introduced an elevator platform to enable him to ascend the podium from the rear. Also, as the function is expected to last for three hours, a special chemical toilet has been provided for the Pope8217;s use. Other aged bishops and priests can also use it,8221; said the 38-year-old architect from the School of Planning and Architecture.

The special Papal chair has been built in accordance with the instructions provided by the Vatican embassy. Said Father Dominic: 8220;The chair has been built in such a way that the Pope can restrict the trembling of his arms through his own effort. The dimensions and form of the chair will enable the Pope to rise from his seat without assistance.8221; A canopy has been provided above the chair to protect the Pope from the harmful rays of the sun.

Surrounding the Pope will sit aspecial medical team from Rome. This team accompanies the Pope on all his visits. Space has also been provided for an ambulance just behind the main altar. The ambulance and doctors will be on standby through the three hour ceremony.

The Pope has not been provided with a bullet-proof cover during the mass at the stadium, confirms public affairs in-charge, Father Dominic. 8220;As convention demands, the Pope never uses a security cover during the Holy mass,8221; he added.

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The rest of the stadium has been divided into specific zones and corridors. There are seats specifically marked for dignitaries, nuns, clergymen, diplomats and priests. The 300 odd bishops will branch out and sit on the side of the Pope.

A sound control station has been provided to the left of the podium. The existing flag mountings around the stadium rim will be fitted with 161 coloured flags and the altar, positioned a few steps below the papal chair, will be decorated with a bright flowers and potted plants. 8220;The work at the stadium costabout Rs 12 lakhs,8221; disclosed architect Raina.8220;We have taken special care to ensure minimum possible damage to the stadium. The entire structure is self-supporting. We couldn8217;t even put a nail into the stadium as there are tracks all around.8221;