The directors of an Indian urban renewal initiative have credited pioneering Scottish town planner Patrick Geddes as the driving influence behind their project
Geddes was renowned for his work in improving Edinburgh\’s Victorian slums, and was invited by the then Governor of Madras to advise on urban planning issues in Indian cities.
Ratish Nanda, projects director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, says Geddes is still a big influence in India and has significantly influenced his Nizamuddin urban renewal initiative in New Delhi.
Today Mr Nanda led Scottish External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf on a tour of the areas he is restoring.
The project aims to revitalize the Mughal Emperor Humayan\’s 16th century tomb, which is a World Heritage Site, along with the historic monuments and open spaces in nearby Sunder Nursery and the urban village of Nizamuddin Bast.
Mr Nanda says he is drawing on Geddes teachings and considering how people relate to places.
The project has further Scottish influences as Mr Nanda worked with Historic Scotland for six months before he joined the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
And the project\’s programme officer Archana Saad Akhtar came to Scotland to study and understand heritage management practices at Scotland\’s historic sites.
Ismailimail 