CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore on Wednesday released a book titled ‘Chandigarh Unmasked: A Young City’s Harappan Past’ written by senior journalist Vibhor Mohan through video conferencing.
Speaking on the occasion, the Administrator, “Le Corbusier became even more famous because of the Chandigarh project. The Governor House was earlier planned in the Capitol Complex and I am told they named it the Governor’s Palace and because of the name, the project never came up. All these are very interesting stories.”
Congratulating the author, he added, “I am told that it is a very readable book and I am looking forward to reading it. You have written it not just a book on Chandigarh, which could have been boring, but turned into something that makes a very interesting reading.”
Eminent architect SD Sharma who was associated with the ‘Chandigarh Project’ since the inception of the city from 1952 onwards also shared his thoughts about the book.
He said, “The author has described the landmarks of the city in a new light. He has used his wit to narrate Chandigarh’s story beginning with the prehistoric Harappan connection to the present day. The references to the city’s initial days when the villagers were persuaded to give up their land. At places, one has to read between the lines to understand the message.”
Elaborating on the book, the author Vibhor Mohan said, “The book ‘Chandigarh Unmasked’ celebrates the idea of Chandigarh. The city’s ahead-of-its time urban planning comes with a sense of orderliness that brings a rhythm to our lives.”
“At the same time, the book seeks to draw attention to the possibility that the planned, modern city could be located on an equally well-planned prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization site buried underneath. What if India’s first modern city stands on a glorious prehistoric past?” he said.
“The book is also about the growing aspirations of Chandigarh’s youth. The city of roundabouts often finds itself at crossroads when it comes to changing with the times. The book seeks to highlight their dilemma as well,” he added.