Karnataka Governor opens Raj Bhavan to public in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 16 : Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala on Thursday opened his official residence, Raj Bhavan, in the city centre for the public to visit the historic building.
"People of Bengaluru and across Karnataka always wondered what Raj Bhavan looks like, particularly students. So, we have decided to allow visitors free of cost from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. from August 16-31," Vala told reporters at Raj Bhavan.
Built by a British army officer Sir Mark Cubbon between 1840-42, when he was the Commissioner of then Mysore territories, Raj Bhavan has largely remained unaccessible to the public so far.
"Its premises are like a well-guarded citadel which generally remains closed for the public, as the entry inside the Raj Bhavan has always remained restricted," a note from the Governor's Office said.
By making an e-booking on the Governor's website at least five days prior to their visit, people can go around the 18-acre colonial building with rich history, of which spectacular gardens with over 15,000 plants and trees occupy about 16 acres.
Through the state's Tourism Department guides, the public, in batches of 30, will be given a 30-minute tour around the premises. An estimated 300-400 people can visit the heritage building each day.
"People can visit the premises and appreciate the history behind it. The visiting hours will be extended if there is high demand for the tour," the Governor said.
Formerly known during the British era as the Bangalore Residency, or the Mysore State Residency, or the Residency, the Raj Bhavan houses a 'Glass House', where state events, swearing-in ceremonies take place, and a ballroom for state functions apart from the residential area.
With 19 bedrooms named after famous Indian rivers and mountains, the sprawling estate displays ancient artefacts and paintings, a few dating back to the 11th century.
The brahmagiri Presidential Suite of the Raj Bhavan is reserved for the Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers visiting the city.
From former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Prime Ministers have visited and stayed at the two-storeyed majestic residence.
Post Indian Independence in 1947, the building was also used for several meetings of the Congress party, the note added.
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We need to create system in which people's skills get their due: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Friday called for creating a system in which people's skills get their due and everyone's contribution is respected, as he shared a Diwali video in which he interacts with paint job workers and potters.
Posting the over nine-minute video which features him also having a conversation with his nephew Raihan Rajiv Vadra on YouTube, the former Congress chief said, "A memorable Diwali with special people - I celebrated this Diwali working with some painter brothers and making earthen diyas with a potter family."
"I saw their work closely, tried to learn their skills and understood their difficulties and problems. They don't go home. We celebrate festivals happily and to earn some money, they forget their village, city, family," Gandhi said.
"They make happiness from clay. While lighting up the festivals of others, are they able to live in light themselves? Those who build houses can hardly run their own houses!" he said.
Gandhi said Diwali means light that can remove the darkness of poverty and helplessness.
"We have to create such a system -- in which people's skills get their due and contribution is respected -- makes everyone's Diwali a happy one. I hope this Diwali brings prosperity, progress and love in the lives of all of you," he said.
In the video, Gandhi is seen working with labourers at the 10 Janpath residence and learning to paint walls along with his nephew. In the second part of the video, Gandhi goes to the house of a woman who makes earthen lamps with her five daughters.
Gandhi tries his hand at pottery and makes 'diyas', which he says he would give to his mother and sister.
Since his Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra and his Manipur to Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi has been interacting with a cross-section of people from mechanics and cobblers to labourers and bus drivers.
He often posts videos of his numerous interactions and highlights the plight of various sections of society.
