Jallianwala Bagh replica abandoned

GS Paul

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 19

The significance of the Jallianwala Bagh appear to have lesser worth for the railway authorities and the government as well. The insensitivity could be gauged from the fact that the replica of the historic site that was once placed at the entrance of the Amritsar railway station, lies abandoned in a dingy corner.

Installed in 1979, the significance of this model was that it was made up of scrap only. The colourful lights which illuminate the falling water of the fountains used to gave a mesmerising view. The masterpiece attracted the attention of every visitor who arrive at the station. Today, not only its lights and fountains have stopped functioning, many parts of the model have also broken.

A city-based architect, Raj Kumar Aggarwal, was the curator of the model.

“It’s a pain to see that my creation has been gathering dust due to the apathetic attitude of the authorities. I was tired of writing to the Railway Ministry, but in vain. I have also met the local railway authorities on several occasions, but no one bothered to get it repaired and maintain its sanctity,” he said.

When railways Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Anuj Parkash, who joined here recently, was apprised about the matter, he showed concern.

“It is really heartening to learn that the replica of such an important historical site, has suffered mistreatment like that. Rest assured, I will enquire about it on a priority basis,” he said.

Recalling those days, Raj Kumar said he was 20 then, and was associated with the Railways in Amritsar as an apprentice. Having indelible impression of nation’s biggest massacre, he came out with this novel idea of preparing a Jallianwala Bagh model that could leave an identical impression on the mind of those who visit the holy city.

“As a mark of respect to those who laid down their lives for not bowing to the tyranny of the Britishers, I intend to create something which should leave a lasting impression on the mind of visitors when they go back home after visiting the city. That’s how the idea of creating a live model of Jallianwala Bagh cropped up in my mind. With the assistance of Railways’ workshop artisans, I designed this replica. It took three months to take a final shape. It had got eye-catching fountains, colourful lights and was kept in a glass frame. The small grill around it was made of lead for which I took the assistance of professional carpenters and painters”, he said.

The then railway minister Kamalpati Tripathi, on a visit to the city, saw the model and gave permission to install it at the railway station.

“SN Sachdeva, the then general manager of the Northern Railways, installed it in the presence of scores of politicians who had assembled at the station on April 13, 1979,” he said.

Raj Kumar urged the authorities to revive it and assured to supervise the job, if permitted to do so.