Book relives important moments of Rashtrapati Bhavan in modern Indian history

NEW DELHI: Edwin Lutyens seems to have found a sympathiser in President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, another man who is famous for his design, but only in a different way. A devoted husband, Lutyens wrote regularly to his wife to tell her all about his work. An aspect about the architect who created the Estate -- that has ceased to be a symbol of colonial rule to become a landmark that Indians are proud of -- it was not the side of "Ned" that most people would expect Dr. Kalam to be familiar with, when he referred to it at the release of a book "Mansion Nonpareil -- Marvel on Raisina Hill" this Friday.

"The building which we are living and work in was started in 1917 and was ready in 1930. The architect wrote details about the work in letters to his wife. She was a fantastic lady. She never wrote back even once. I don't know, are all wives like that?" he asked, getting a huge laugh from the audience.

A question that could easily stump most of the scientific community in India and the world at large. The book release function, saw him in another role, relaxed and at home with his really close associates.