NAGPUR: Shortly after the name change of Nagpur Airport through a civil aviation ministry notification, it's time for another redo at airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is all set to replace the existing statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on the airport premises.
The AAI has on Tuesday finalised on the new model of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar to be installed at city airport.
"Renowned sculptor Pradnya Murti from city has been awarded the contract of making the 16-feet statue. In all, 11 sculptors have participated and displayed their art before an expert panel appointed by AAI, from which Murti's model was selected" airport director S N Borkar told TOI.
He added that the new statue would be installed in six months.
The present 16-feet statue that was unveiled on April 14, 2008 has left the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar disappointed. The Airports Authority of India, after facing severe protests from Ambedkarite forces, had decided to install a new statue.
Borkar said, "Large number of Ambedkar followers had objected to the newly installed statue . They said that it did not resemble Dr Ambedkar and the right hand finger of the statue was pointing downwards when the leader's statues, anywhere in the country have the finger pointing upwards."
AAI executive director (planning) R C Chitkara issued directives to form an expert panel. Recently the panel comprising of Prof Hemant Nagdive, Dean Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Prof Ramteke, former dean and Prof Wanjari, Prof Shirke and Prof Mistry from J J School of Arts, Mumbai has finalised on the new model to be installed, Borkar added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Nagpur/New_Ambedkar_statue_model_finalised/articleshow/3266884.cms
