Desist from razing Balabrooie

It is often said that Indians do not have a sense of history and of time.

 Politicians in Karnataka seem to be out to prove that point. Instead of preserving the past, they want to flaunt the future to the people, seeking to build mansions of dreams for everyone to live in.  But the future they want to build for themselves on a 15-acre plot in the heart of Bangalore is a nightmare for anyone who is passionate about the past. The Balabrooie building, where a government guest house functions now, is part of the living history of the city and has existed for almost half the life of the city.  If Karnataka’s politicians have their way, it will soon be moved to the trash can of time, giving way for a glitzy club for the entertainment and enjoyment of politicians.  An inquiry commission which is now functioning in the building has been told to stop work and the demolition squad will soon move in. 

Balabrooie represents the heritage of Bangalore. It is shocking that anyone would think of sending bulldozers to it to turn it into rubble and sweep it off the present. It is vandalism of a criminal kind. Balabrooie is a marvel which has withstood the corrosive impact and ravages of two centuries. It is associated with persons who have commanded the nation’s respect and veneration. It adds to the city’s sense of identity, because cities, nations and people live in their past too. Buildings like Balabrooie speak from the past, link it with the present and look into the future. They are the collective property of the people and it is not for politicians to use them or do away with them for their personal needs. It is philistinism and insensitivity of the worst kind to demolish a historic building which is a pleasure to watch as a work of art. 

The government, for obvious reasons, has not made its plans public. What is the cost involved in making the new club? Could not the same money been put for public good? Why should this be a priority for the government? Does it not have other pressing peoples’ problems to attend to? Can the decision-makers not use their time and energy in a way that empowers the people rather than spending time and public money on themselves? The past should not be destroyed for recreation, because it cannot be created again. The government and the politicians should hold back their grasping hands and desist from this outrageous plan.