Golden Threshold restoration work in limbo

It’s been almost a year since the announcement of the restoration project of the Golden Threshold by Professor Ramakrishna Ramaswamy, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Hyderabad (U0H) at the annual Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) awards, 2012. But there has been no progress on this front except that a comprehensive management plan for the restoration of the residence of Sarojini Naidu has been prepared by INTACH Hyderabad Chapter. The project cost is pegged at Rs 3 crores.

The Golden Threshold has a hallowed past and was host to some of the greatest minds including Sarojini Naidu’s father Dr Agorenath Chattopadhyay, her brother Harindranath and the poetess herself who penned down some of the most poignant poems. Men of letters and the intelligentsia of the time used to congregate at the residence for debates on burning issues.

The Golden Threshold was donated by Sarojini Naidu’s daughter, Padmaja Naidu to UoH in 1975 but over the years, the building has run down and is in a bad shape and in need of urgent repair. The announcement of the restoration came as a welcome sign but due to the lack of funds the project has not taken off. Professor Ramakrishna Ramaswamy says, “We had put up a budget of Rs 1,200 crores in the 12th plan but received just Rs 166 crores. There is a huge financial crunch but we are not giving up on the project. The Golden Threshold is of national importance and we are trying to get funds from other ministry as well.”

Anuradha Reddy, convenor, INTACH Hyderabad Chapter, says that a detailed project report was submitted to UoH. We are waiting for a green signal from them. Potential renovation architects have been identified and a plan is in place. But when asked how long it would take to complete once the project gets underway, she said, “That would be difficult to say as once work begins many new issues crop up.” For instance, tar has been poured on the roof and all of it has to be ripped apart to see the extent of damage. Likewise, the walls have turned damp and yellow. Rainwater leakage has had its affect in the interiors.