Xuan Zang Memorial Hall a living dream

Nalanda, Feb 11 (UNI) Replenished, expanded and embellished in a rich mash of Indo-Chinese art, the Xuan Zang Memorial hall is like a dream unfolded before the world.

The hall, now on a sprawling 400 sq feet area, is a cynosure for thousands of foreign and Indian tourists, who feast on the architectural grandeur of the structure and the soothe their eyes on the manicured vale stretching over 65 acres, surrounding it.

Mr Ranjan Prasad Singh, who had been appointed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to maintain the Hall since 1989, is delighted with its transformation.

Mr Singh said the Memorial Hall reflected the Sino-Indian relations.

The Memorial hall constructed in the year 1960-61 by the CPWD was spread in 108 ft by 54 ft, before being renovated and expanded. A Chinese delegation stayed here for about 26 days and embelished the hall with their art and culture. The shining metallic work designed by the Chinese, the wall paintings, photographs and other decorative pieces--all done by them are eye catching, Mr Singh said.

The walls of the hall depict the work and contributions of Xuan Zang, he said. It took about three years and about Rs four crore to beautify and upgrade the Memorial Hall.

Mr Singh further said the pond--rich in aquatic flora and fauna on one side of the hall is a major attraction with 20 boats and ten house boats for yatching.

The tourists inflow has doubled, claimed Mr Singh saying that those who use to wind up their visit from museum now visit the Memorial Hall.

He said the up-coming 'Sanskritik gram' on 12 acres of land near the hall will only swell its beauty. The Sanskritik gram was being developed by Nav Nalanda Mahavihar and would be completed in the next two to three years.

UNI