'Sad': Great-grandson of Rashtrapati Bhavan architect Edwin Lutyens over statue removal

The great-grandson of Edwin Lutyens, the renowned architect of Rashtrapati Bhavan, has expressed deep disappointment over the recent removal of Lutyens' bust from the iconic structure. In its place, a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, India’s first and only Governor-General post-independence, has been installed. This decision has sparked a debate on the significance of honoring historical figures and the shifting narratives of India's colonial past. Lutyens, alongside his colleague Herbert Baker, played a pivotal role in designing New Delhi, and his contributions remain integral to the country’s architectural heritage. The replacement of the bust has been viewed by some as a move to recognize Indian leaders over colonial figures, reflecting a broader trend in contemporary Indian politics to reassess historical legacies. However, Lutyens’ descendants hope that his contributions to the nation will not be overshadowed by this change. The discussion surrounding the statue's removal highlights ongoing tensions between colonial history and the celebration of Indian leadership, as the nation continues to navigate its identity in a post-colonial context.