Public Spaces in Lucknow -the influence of power (page 6)

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Parivartan Chowk, north of Kaiserbagh and east of Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, an urban insertion by Mayawati in 1995 received negative publicity since it did not fit in the Kaiserbagh Heritage District. A rather ugly tall vertical structure holding a globe at its summit and sheltering a seated statue of the Buddha, marks the center of a huge plaza that acts as a traffic roundabout in the heart of Lucknow. Four statues of Ambedkar, Phule, Shahuji, and Periyar with inscriptions on pedestals mark the cardinal points in the circular plaza where a number of streets converge. This location not only ensures high visibility and landmark status but also marks the arrival of change (new Bahujan Samaj leadership) in a historic area of the Nawabi and colonial times. Another and much larger urban space on the city outskirts is Ambedkar Maidan, which has the party rally grounds with imposing gateways, statues of Ambedkar and his wife Ramabai, along with a helipad. Cultural gatherings that attract huge crowds such as the annual Dusshera Mela also take place there.

Not too far from Parivartan Chowk and next to the Bahujan Samaj Party headquarters is the Prerna Kendra (Center of Inspiration), a memorial building designed by DS Bhui. An elegant structure with sloping walls faced with sandstone, it consists of a soaring interior with metallic friezes and free-standing statuary. The friezes show Mayawati taking oath as the Chief Minister, Ambedkar signing the constitution, Parivartan Chowk and Ambedkar Memorial. The statuary is of Mayawati and Kanshi Ram standing in front of Dr Ambedkar opposite the entry, and Ramaswami Periyar, Shah uji Maharaj, Narayana Guru, and Jyotirao Phule. The outdoor circumambulatory gallery and two stone elephants guarding the entry that has a metallic circular frieze of Gautam Buddhha are the Buddhist gestures in the structure.

 (Continues...)

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