Day after day, thousands pass by the sprawling quarters of the Governor in Guindy. Often stuck in a jam, they gaze curiously at the raised walls and beyond. Perhaps, gauging the people’s pulse, Governor Vidyasagar Rao has allowed visitors into Raj Bhavan beginning Friday.
On a ride in a buggy, through the forest-like space, the first stop is a 3.5-acre nursery. A flock of ducks in a huge pool welcome us. Every six months, a different avian species is introduced into the pool.
About 7,000 trees border the pathway and the boundary of Raj Bhavan with the oldest being 150-year-old Neem tree; almost every tree wears a neatly printed name plate. A. Praveen Kumar, aide-de camp to Governor says, “This neem tree has a circumference of seven metres. We take a lot of care in preserving the trees on the campus. Unfortunately, about 400 trees fell during Cyclone Vardah”.
Hidden behind these trees, looms large the Durbar Hall, which has witnessed several swearing-in ceremonies. Alongside lie the plush Main Lawns where one can find deer, endangered blackbucks and many other species. Raj Bhavan is home to 500 deer, 830 blackbucks and 160 birds.
The grand Presidential Suite that overlooks the lawn was specially built for Governors and other Ministers when they visit the city, Mr. Kumar says. This suite is strictly guarded even when it is not occupied. As a mark of respect, the statues of the first and second Presidents of the country have been erected. Interestingly, almost every statute inside Raj Bhavan has been sculpted in a walking pose.
Then, there is a herbal garden hosting an array of species and the oval and silver jubilee gardens too.
The main building houses the office and residence of the Governor. Mr. Kumar tells the story of how from Fort. St. George, the Governor’s office shifted in here. “In 1821, the Governor Sir Thomas Munro purchased this land, then called ‘Guindy Lodge’ for ₹35,000. This was bought mainly because the land was in the outskirts and he could transact public business without interruption,” he says.
‘Avvaiyar statue soon’
Governor Vidyasagar Rao says he also plans to erect the statue of Avvaiyar. “I also want to bring in the technology where if children touch the statue’s hand, Aathichoodi is played,” he says.
People who want to visit have to register online at www.tnrajbhavan.gov.in and book their date on payment of ₹25. Visitors will be allowed from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
