Bharat Mandapam - Location, Cost, Design and Purpose

Bharat Mandapam, located within New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, holds significant importance as the venue for India’s hosting of the G20 Summit. This distinguished setting will provide the backdrop for crucial discussions among world leaders, including notable figures like Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, and Emmanuel Macron. Additionally, it will serve as the site for the ‘working lunch’ hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these esteemed global leaders. This summit represents a momentous occasion for international diplomacy and cooperation.

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About Bharat Mandapam

The name “Bharat Mandapam” is inspired by Lord Basaveshwara’s concept of Anubhav Mandapam, a pavilion for public ceremonies. This complex is open to everyone and is equipped with all the necessary facilities to help India become a developed and modern nation.

Inauguration

On July 26th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. He encouraged everyone to think big, dream big, and act big as they move forward. The complex has been named ‘Bharat Mandalam’.

Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister performed a puja at the Complex and honored the hardworking individuals who were involved in its construction.
During the grand opening ceremony, the Prime Minister also unveiled the G20 coin and G-20 stamp.
To mark this special occasion, the Ministry of Culture presented a variety of cultural programs featuring around 1250 artists from across the country.
As part of the performances, more than 300 schoolchildren from Vidya Bharti sang Rabindranath Tagore‘s “Ananda Loke”.

Physical Infrastructure

The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) project has revitalized the old facilities at Pragati Maidan and has been developed as a national project.
With a sprawling campus area of approximately 123 acres, the IECC complex is now India’s largest destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
It is being developed by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
It ranks among the top exhibition and convention complexes in the world in terms of covered space for events.
The newly developed IECC complex includes a Convention Centre, Exhibition halls, and an amphitheater, among other state-of-the-art facilities.

World’s Largest 28-Foot Tall Nataraja Statue

The Nataraja statue is an impressive work of art, weighing 19 tonnes and crafted from Ashtadhatu, which consists of eight metals: gold, silver, lead, copper, tin, mercury, iron, and zinc. Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapathy and his team at Swamimalai in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, created this masterpiece.

The statue itself measures 22 feet in height, and when placed on a 6-foot-high pedestal, its total height reaches 28 feet, making it the tallest Nataraja statue in the world.

This statue represents Lord Shiva as the ‘lord of dance,’ showcasing his cosmic power of creation and destruction. It is a significant and awe-inspiring symbol that adds a touch of cultural and spiritual significance to the event.

Cost

The new Convention Complex developed as a national project at a cost of about ₹2700 crores, will play a significant role in showcasing and promoting India as a global business destination.
The state-of-the-art Convention Centre will now provide a platform to display the products of our farmers, MSMEs, artisans, and industries to the world.
It complements the government’s efforts to promote industry and ensure the progress of the nation by building modern infrastructure.

Purpose

The Convention Centre serves as the centerpiece of the Pragati Maidan complex.
It is an impressive architectural marvel designed to host international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and prestigious events on a large scale.
It features multiple meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheater, and a business center, making it versatile for hosting various types of events.
The majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall can accommodate up to seven thousand people, surpassing the seating capacity of the renowned Sydney Opera House in Australia.
The magnificent Amphitheater can accommodate 3,000 individuals.

Design

The architectural design of the Convention Centre is a blend of Indian traditions and modernity, reflecting India’s rich heritage and confidence in its future.
The building’s shape is inspired by the Shankha (conch shell), while its walls and facades depict elements of India’s traditional art and culture, including “Surya Shakti” symbolizing India’s efforts in harnessing solar energy, “Zero to ISRO” celebrating our achievements in space, and “Pancha Mahabhuta” representing the building blocks of the universe – Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth), and more.
The Convention Centre is adorned with various paintings and Tribal art forms from different regions of the country, showcasing India’s diverse cultural heritage.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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