The plan for a samadhi dedicated to former President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rajghat complex has encountered a setback after the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) declined to approve the current design, citing deviations from the established visual language of the memorial precinct. Mukherjee, who served as India’s 13th President from 2012 to 2017, passed away in August 2020. The proposed memorial is to be located at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the designated site for former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Prime Ministers within the Rajghat complex.
Key Concerns Raised by DUAC
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) presented the proposal during a recent DUAC meeting, where detailed discussions took place with the architect. According to the minutes, DUAC identified two primary elements in the design that departed from the conventions followed at other memorials in the complex: the installation of a photograph of the late President on a granite platform and the proposed lighting beneath the square memorial platform.
Issue of Photograph on Memorial
The commission noted that no existing samadhi within the complex features a photograph and cautioned against introducing such an element. It expressed concerns that the inclusion of a photograph could compromise the sanctity and contextual character of the larger commemorative landscape. DUAC recommended exploring alternative approaches while ensuring the memorial remains in harmony with the approved guidelines governing the complex.
Lighting and Aesthetic Consistency
The proposed under-platform lighting also raised concerns about maintaining consistency with the understated aesthetic followed at the memorial site. DUAC flagged several technical and presentation-related issues, observing that the 3D visualizations submitted by the architects depicted surrounding areas in a manner that extended beyond the scope of the proposal. The commission directed that future representations should focus solely on the proposed memorial while showing the rest of the complex in its actual existing condition to enable a fair assessment.
Material and Safety Considerations
DUAC also called for greater clarity on material choices. It emphasized that the flooring proposed for the circumambulatory pathway should prioritize public safety and functionality while remaining consistent with the material palette used at other memorials. Discrepancies were noted between the materials listed in the proposal and those shown in the rendered visuals.
Next Steps for Approval
To address these concerns, DUAC requested a detailed material palette sheet with complete specifications. It directed the project team to prepare a comparative presentation distinguishing existing site conditions from proposed interventions. Concluding that the plan “lacks coherence” in its present form, the commission asked for a revised conceptual-stage proposal accompanied by point-by-point responses to all observations before the memorial can be considered for approval.
