New Delhi: The revised proposal for a samadhi for former President Pranab Mukherjee at Rajghat Samadhi Complex has been accepted by Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), after the project was earlier held back over design-related concerns.The proposal, submitted by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), was reconsidered by DUAC at the formal stage after the architect responded to its earlier observations.Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is the designated common memorial site for deceased presidents, vice-presidents and prime ministers of India. Mukherjee, who died in Aug 2020, served as the country’s 13th President from 2012 to 2017 and is proposed to be commemorated at the site within the Rajghat complex.The proposal was first considered by DUAC at its meeting on May 14, 2026, during which the commission raised specific observations. The architect was subsequently asked to address the concerns before the proposal could be considered further.One of the issues flagged was the proposed installation of a photograph of Mukherjee on a granite platform. DUAC observed that the existing samadhis in the complex did not feature photographs and cautioned against introducing an element that could affect the sanctity and contextual character of the larger memorial landscape. It suggested exploring alternative approaches while ensuring that the memorial remained in harmony with the guidelines governing the complex.The commission also raised concerns over the proposed lighting beneath the square memorial platform, observing that the feature could be inconsistent with the understated visual character followed at the memorial site.Several technical and presentation-related issues were also flagged. DUAC noted that the 3D visualisations extended beyond the scope of the proposed intervention and directed the project team to depict the surrounding complex in its existing condition while clearly focusing on the proposed memorial.Following these observations, the proposal was placed before the commission again at the formal stage. DUAC examined the revised submission along with the architect’s point-wise replies to its earlier observations. Based on the drawings, documentation, photographs and responses submitted, the commission found the revised proposal acceptable.
