The British Museum’s best-kept India secret – a special gallery dedicated to the museum’s treasure trove of Buddhist architecture and sculpture from the ancient site of Amaravati -- floored Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was on a two day visit to London to canvas investment for the new capital city of Amaravati.
Unaware of the existence of these architectural gems that have been superbly preserved and displayed in the British Museum Mr. Naidu is determined to use the historical legacy of ancient Amaravati in creating its modern avatar. He will seek advice, help and “best practices” on reviving the present day museum in Amaravati and in featuring the significance of the British Museum collection in the new capital.
The setting up of a new office in central London that will act as a nodal point to attract investment for Amaravati was among a mixed bag of announcements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the end of his two-day visit to London to canvas funds, investment and support for the state’s new capital. Amaravati, he promises will be a “world class city, one of the top 10 in the world.”
The new office – to be located within the office precincts of the legal firm Singhania and Co – will process applications through the state’s Economic Development Board with the promise of a 14-day turn around time on all proposals Mr. Naidu said.
“We have no money, but we are determined to turn this crisis into an opportunity,” Mr. Naidu said.
The Chief Minister announced plans for a 1000 bed hospital for Amaravati to be set up by London’s King’s College Hospital, a leading National Health Service facility in acute care. The foundation stone for the building is to be laid this June and the hospital, which according to the Chief Minister will meet Indian and global needs, will be ready in two years.
Mr. Naidu said that he received a “positive response” to his invitation to the representatives of 20 companies to be part of the smart city concept for Amaravati’s development. Included in this group of companies and organisations were the Greater London Authority, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Vodafone, and Rolls Royce.
When asked if he would at some point ask the British Museum to return the Amaravati sculptures just as Greece has done for the Elgin Marbles, he said he did not want any controversy. “Even if it is in London, it is good for us, it gives us international exposure.”
