Let’s call this connecting to our ‘roots’, literally and figuratively. Lokmanya Tilak Garden, one of India’s oldest public gardens – earlier named Victoria Garden by the British after Queen Victoria – has undergone a charming makeover. While modern amenities have been included, the grand old garden that has been witness to several important events that shaped the city and the state, has been revamped in keeping with Ahmedabad’s UNESCO World Heritage City tag.
Located at the foot of Ellis Bridge, the garden has been aesthetically restored by Torrent Group’s not-for-profit entity UNM Foundation as part of Pratiti – a collaboration with The Park’s People and Ahmedabad Municipal corporation.
The water bodies have been revived and all the old trees retained while many more have been planted along the new band stand at the main lawn.
Spread over 34,000 sq yards, the beautifully landscaped garden with multiple modern facilities for the public, can now accommodate more people from across age groups since the garden spaces have been enlarged. The modern play zone for children has been made disabled-friendly; the park also encompasses an enclosed volleyball play court and a city plaza where visitors can sit and relax.
New walkways have been created along with a maze garden for the pleasure of walkers. Besides, facilities like drinking water kiosks and clean toilets have also been added for the comfort of all.
Sapna Mehta, Director of UNM Foundation said, “The Victoria Garden, with over a century old history, has been revamped at this scale for the first time ever, while keeping the traditional plan intact. Its beauty and charm significantly add to the architectural and cultural landscape of our heritage city. Such parks play a vital role in the social, economic and physical well-being of the cities and their residents. As cities become more densely populated, parks are now recognised as powerful tools for active lifestyles and reduced health costs for the urban communities. Similar work on four to five gardens is underway.”
Lokmanya Tilak garden is the eighth garden developed by the UNM Foundation.
Historical significance
In 1897, a group of citizens decided to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. On May 31st, 1897, Mr. Wadia, a barrister, proposed to construct the Victoria Diamond Jubilee Garden. The jail garden yard across the then jail was converted into Victoria Garden.
On January 7, 1910, the marble statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted by renowned artist H G Mhatre was unveiled at the garden in the honour of Queen Victoria. This statue today is preserved at the Sanskar Kendra.
This garden has been a witness to the city’s history and is a marker of time. On December 14, 1917, it witnessed a huge celebration as the city recovered from the deadly plague.
In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi unveiled a statue of Lokmanya Tilak at Victoria Garden commissioned for Rs 15,000. It was sculpted by artist M K Kolhatkar. The park also saw the installation of a memorial to commemorate the Mahagujarat Movement of 1956. Among the memorable contributions made by eminent citizens who have their sentiments attached to the garden is a water fountain. It was funded by one Dr Nanavatty and his wife Dhanbai in the memory of their son Phiroze who passed away at the young age of 19.
In the early days, the garden had a shooting range, rockeries, and one of the first public radios. From a radio shack, the news and music were played that was amplified through speakers for all the visitors. However, with the passage of time the garden began falling into a state of disrepair.
