Towering task

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has pledged a donation of Rs 4.2 crore for restoration of the Rajabai Tower on the Fort campus of Bombay University and the adjacent building housing the University’s library. On January 2, 2012, a memorandum of understanding was signed between TCS chief executive officer S. Ramadorai with the University, and work was slated to begin a month later, reported Mumbai Mirror (MM) on January 3, 2012.
Designed by English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, Rajabai Tower was constructed in 1878. The entire cost of the construction, two lakh rupees, a princely sum in those days, was defrayed by Premchand Roychand, a prosperous stockbroker on condition that the Tower be named after his mother, Rajabai. The 280-foot structure was slated to undergo repairs in 2006, but shortage of funds scotched that plan. TCS chief financial officer S. Mahalin­gam told MM: "As an organization that has its headquarters in Mumbai, we feel it is our duty to sponsor the restoration of the iconic Rajabai Tower. We also owe a lot to the University that has given us many talented professionals.”

Repairs and renovation of Rajabai Tower will be sponsored by TCS

"The structure has suffered a lot of wear and tear over the years, and our aim is to revive its grandeur,” noted Rajpal S. Hande, director of the board of college and university development. The University has undertaken the task of obtaining clearances for the project from the Heritage Structure Committee and the Archeological Department. Noted architectural firm Somaya and Kalappa has been chosen to do the work over a 12 to 18-month time frame, and the University has assured that the project will adhere to the conditions of the Ancient Monuments and Architects Act and the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, mentions MM.
The first task will be to strengthen the structure, followed by restoration of weather-beaten sections and cleaning of tiles and stones, revealed Somaya and Kalappa. The Tower’s walls are made of Malad stone, while its top was built using Porbandar stone, said Brinda Somaya, managing director of the firm. The stone has been losing its sheen and will have to be replaced, she feels. The 24 statues on the Tower representing different castes and communities of western India will have to be cleaned and repaired. Cracks have developed on the teak wood paneling, tiles, delicate carvings and stained glass panels, which need to be restored. Somaya added, "There are other problems: water seeps from the roof and weeds grow on the Tower’s façade. The furniture in the library is made from old Burma teak wood; it will have to be repaired and polished.”
Anita Garware of the Indian Heritage Society told Mid Day of January 4, 2012 that it was unfortunate that "it has taken six years for the project to finally… take off. We cannot afford any more delays, as yet another delay would mean yet another monsoon.”