File Photo: Delhi University's North Campus
Did you know Lord Mountbatten had proposed to Edwina for marriage in the impressive structure, where now stands the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor's office? It was this building too where freedom fighter Bhagat Singh was held captive for a day.
Now, Delhi University gives you an opportunity to peak into the history through a light and sound show. The 35-minute show, titled "Delhi University: A Legend", will be open to general public from March 10 to 13 while there will be a special screening on March 14 for the alumni.
It will be held at the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge, a massive white mansion which currently houses the Vice-Chancellor's office. "What is the history that played itself out on the space in and around the Viceregal Lodge? Which among the stalwarts of India's freedom movement have taken important decisions in that lodge? How many of us know these facts about Delhi University? Hence the sound and light show," said Malashri Lal, Dean Academic Activities and Projects, Delhi University told PTI.
"When in 1857 armed British forces marched to Delhi to recapture the city from rebellious sepoys, their fellow soldiers and families had taken refuge inside the Viceregal Lodge Estate. Lord Mountbatten had proposed to his wife Edwina in the same lodge which later became DU Vice Chancellor's office.
"Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh was held captive in the same building for a day and the place has been maintained like that since then. There is so much to know about DU, its buildings and its connection with the history," Ms Lal said.
The Viceregal Lodge became the office of the University of Delhi in 1933.
"The idea was conceptualised about two years ago, by Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh. A core committee, comprising academicians and professors, worked on it. The university has a splendid history, so we picked up some markers that define DU's journey and with the help of sound, light, pictures and dialogues, we weaved these into a grand tale, one that will be showcased at the event," said Ms Lal.
The show, a preview of which was screened during the 2014 edition of DU annual festival 'Antardhwani', is claimed to be a-first-of-its kind to be organised by any university in India. There will be three shows daily at 7 PM, 8 PM and 9 PM.