Memorial rakes up controversy

Memorial rakes up controversy

CHANDIGARH, FEB 8: The much-hyped Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex, being constructed by famed Israeli architect Moshe Safdi as a part of the tercentenary celebrations, continues to be a touchy affair. Now the core sub-committee of scholars has recommended to the Punjab Government that the word ``memorial'', be dropped.

Scholars are critical of the word. As memorials are generally raised only to non-living entities, they contend the project should be renamed Khalsa Heritage Complex and the the word ``memorial'' should be dropped. The core committee has forwarded the recommendation to the Anandpur Sahib Foundation.

Not wanting to be saddled with another controversy over the project, the executive committee of the Foundation seems to be looking at the suggestion rather favourably. The issue is coming up before the meeting of the Foundation on February 24 for a final decision.Incidentally, the name Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex had also been suggested by a group of Sikh scholars. While the word memorialhas been objected to, the name when written in Punjabi, ``Khalsa Virasat Yadgari'' would remain the same.

The convenor of scholars' panel will be holding a meeting with Moshe Safdi during his next visit and apprise him of the views of the scholars on the architectural aspects of the proposed complex.