‘Shocked’ Delhiites recall days spent at one of their favourite hangouts

news of the demolition of the Hall of Nations and the Hall of Industries at Pragati Maidan on Sunday night came as a shocker for many Delhiites. Terming the decision as ‘shocking’ and ‘painful’, old-timers recalled their innumerable visits to the city’s landmarks constructed to commemorate 25 years of India’s independence in 1972.

Photographer Ram Rehman, who is part of the group running a campaign to save historic structures, expressed his shock over the development. “The action is shocking as a petition challenging the demolition is still pending. Several museums from all over the world had sent an appeal to the government to revoke the decision,” he said.

Fifty eight-year-old Dr DG Jain, a resident of Karol Bagh area, said instead of pulling it down, the government should have converted it into a museum. “It is a complete wastage of public money. I don’t find it logical. It was a unique and beautiful structure. It is ‘painful’ to know that one of your favourite places has been bulldozed,” he said.

The edifice along with the ‘Halls of Industries’ and ‘Nehru Pavilion’ was raised to hold 1972 Asia exposition, designed by renowned architect Raj Rewal built between 1969 -1972. The structures considered the architectural marvels of modern India, were inaugurated by then PM Indira Gandhi, which served as the venue for the International Trade Fair later.

When it was opened for public, visitors in large number stood in queues at Pragati Maidan to watch the engineering wonders, which was well ahead of any government commissioned building in the city.

Virendra Sachdeva, a sport administrator, said during the mid-80s, he would spend most winter afternoons with college friends at an open canteen next to the ‘Hall of Nations’. “The news is shocking. It used to be our meeting point during college days. The association continued as I never missed a book fair held there every year. Rounds of gossips over a cup of tea and burger at the canteen would make us feel like elites,” he said.