Kiran Bedi opens doors of Raj Nivas for public viewing

The decision to open Raj Nivas, earlier called “Palais du Gouverneur” (Governor’s palace) during the French regime, was taken recently by Lt Governor Kiran Bedi. This is the first time that “one of the most important and well-maintained heritage buildings in Puducherry” has been made accessible to the public. 

Normally, visitors are allowed to enter the campus only on Republic Day and Independence Day. Bedi had been maintaining, since she assumed office as Lt Governor on May 29 last year, that “Raj Nivas is people’s nivas and seva nivas.”

A release from her office said 32 persons visited the Raj Nivas on Monday and they comprised mainly tourists, architects and students. Officials of Raj Nivas accorded a warm welcome to the visitors. A brochure highlighting the history of Raj Nivas was distributed to each visitor. The release also said a short film on Raj Nivas was screened with focus on its history and architectural highlights of the building.

The Lt Governor had recently launched the official website of Raj Nivas to ensure it becomes a bridge between the people and various departments for redressal of grievances.

Visitors can use the website rajnivas.py.gov.in to register their visits, the release said. 

It may be remembered that Parts of Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence in Chennai was thrown open to the public by end of April. Visitors were allowed to look around the sprawling campus during the weekends for a few hours. 

Visitors are allowed to view the Durbal Hall, main lawn, presidential suite and various gardens inside the campus. They can also glimpse the forest beyond.