YPOST: Renovation Of Writers.

Kolkata, the city of joy can also be said city of heritage also. Kolkata, one of the growing metropolitan city and a sub-depot of India’s heritage. If it is all about Kolkata’s heritage then we must also take a look on some heritage building of Kolkata also. Some of them are like Victoria Memorial Hall, The Indian Museum, Marble Palace, Science City, National Library, Writer’s building, Raj Bhawan, Grand Hotel, Indian Botanical Garden and the lists go on.

But, my pick from all these is Writers Building, the secretariat building of State Government of West Bengal in India. Today it houses the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. The Writers' Building originally served as the office for writers of the British East India Company, hence the name. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers' Building has gone through several extensions over the years.

In 1821 a 128 ft-long verandah with Ionic style columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 - 1906 two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. Writers’ acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and the statues sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883, which line the terrace, were installed.

The giant pediment at the centre is crowned with the statue of Minerva. The terraces also contains several other statues and notable among them are four clusters of statues, christened 'Justice', 'Commerce', 'Science' and 'Agriculture', with the Greek Gods and Goddesses. The 150 meter long Writers' Building covers the entire northern stretch of the water body locally called Lal Dighi in B.B.D. Bagh area. Various departments of the West Bengal government are housed in this building. It is an edifice of great political significance and memories of the Indian Independence Movement. Writer's building is now being used as Chief Minister's Office and secretariat.

At this part of time Writers is going for a makeover. After a long gap of approx 230 years from its birthday Writers will be having a drastic renovation. Mamata Banerjee the now Chief Minister of West Bengal has decided to give a makeover to one of this great heritage, moreover renovation of the CM’s office. The chief minister revealed her plan to build a new secretariat across the Hooghly that will see Bengal being ruled from outside the iconic Writers' Buildings for the first time since 1777.

So, let’s get back to the heritage where we have started from. Its a good decision taken by the state government for the renovation of Writers building. Not only the Writers but also other heritage buildings are getting maintained properly.

If it has to be the same, why be a shame to others for neglecting our heritage our pride. The proper maintenance can hold these heritages for another long 100years. What we are making now is of no good to our next generations. So, also let them enjoy the fruits of history which our ancestors have made and left them so that we can enjoy them.

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