With a commitment to protect the cultural heritage of the society, InterGlobe Foundation (IGF), the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (IGE) in association with Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is working towards the “Conservation and Cultural Revival” of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s tomb. The project has been underway since 2014, and IGF has been engaging with employees of IGE over this period to enable them to understand the process of heritage conservation, its relevance and importance in the lives of communities living in the vicinity of monument, as well as the cultural and historical significance to society at large. In this process, InterGlobe Foundation, organized a “Heritage Walk” for its employees, covering Rahim’s tomb and Nizamuddin Basti.
About Conservation and Cultural Revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s tomb
This project relating to conservation and restoration of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s tomb has over the past years witnessed sustained and sensitive physical restoration at the site in the form of setting up arcades, stitching of cracks, marble, sandstone cladding, canopies and dalans, interior and external surface restoration. The project has laid special emphasis on conservation of the tomb integrated with compiling and disseminating of Rahim’s literary contributions. Rahim ke dohe, written over four centuries ago are a testimony to Rahim’s genius. A book of essays by prominent scholars, on Rahim’s life as a statesman, administrator, patron of the arts, poet, linguist and humanitarian, has been brought out through a publication entitled ‘Celebrating Rahim’. A publication in Hindi, transliterating Rahim’s works is being finalized. Further, his poetry and writings have also been set to music by eminent contemporary musicians and also popular Dastangoi’s.
The conservation processes followed by Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been noteworthy in its approach. It not only emphasized on revival of craft skills but also undertaken major environment and socio-economic development programs in the neighboring basti. Efforts have been taken to improve the quality of lives of the nearby communities residing in Nizamuddin Basti. Under the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, some of the components covered were the ecological restoration, urban improvements, education, vocational training, community health, water and sanitation, housing improvement, early childhood care and development.
About InterGlobe Foundation: InterGlobe Foundation was established in 2010, with the vision of “Building pride in communities through providing sustainable livelihoods, by conserving the environment, and promoting heritage and culture”.
About InterGlobe Enterprises: InterGlobe Enterprises Private Ltd. is a large Indian conglomerate holding leadership positions in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel related services. InterGlobe through its various businesses employs more than 25,000 professionals across 126 offices in 60 cities globally. Its portfolio includes IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation), InterGlobe Technologies, InterGlobe Hotels, InterGlobe Air Transport, InterGlobe Technology Quotient‚ CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (Advanced Pilot Training), InterGlobe Education (School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) and InterGlobe Real Estate.
For more details, visit www.interglobe.com