Homi Bhabha's Iconic Mumbai Bungalow 'Mehrangir' Reduced To Rubble

Mumbai: The Mumbai home of Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear programme, is now history. 'Mehrangir' - the bungalow in the upscale region of Malabar Hills in South Mumbai has been completely demolished, wiping out the legacy of Dr Bhabha.

In June 2014, Mehrangir - named after Bhabha's mother Mehrbai and his father Jehangir, was publicly auctioned by the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the custodian of the bungalow. The Godrej family bought it for Rs 372 crore and now after two years, it has been demolished to reportedly make way for a high-rise.
 The scientific community, however, is extremely unhappy with this move. Eminent scientist and Bharat Ratna Dr CNR Rao has not just spoken up against the destruction of Mehrangir, but had earlier also shown disapproval for its auction.

"They are only concerned about Court Banks in England, where Dr Ambedkar had only stayed for two years and that flat has already been purchased because they want votes from the Dalit population. They know that they are not going to get any votes in the name of Homi Bhabha, so they didn't show any concern in that case, which is very saddening," says Mr Prashant Worlikar, President of Atomic Energy Workers and Staff Union.

Mr Worlikar, along with other members of the scientific community, has been spearheading the 'Save Mehrangir Campaign' that went all the way up to the Supreme Court. In March this year, the Supreme Court had even asked the Maharashtra Government if Mehrangir qualified as a heritage monument. But with no response from the government, and without stay orders, the bungalow has now been reduced to rubble.
 Outrage on social media or even by political parties has gone completely missing. There has been no urgency shown by the government, which in 2015 had bought Dr Ambedkar's bungalow in London for Rs 32 crore.

"If at all had we made an appeal it should have been to the private individuals, requesting them to not demolish the house. But it may be a step too late now," said BJP spokesperson, Shaina NC.

The opposition too, remained completely silent while the demolitions were taking place. "I have personally said this a lot of times before when people have come to me, that we need to preserve Mehrangir... we will put pressure on the government if required," says Mumbai Congress President, Sanjay Nirupam.