VARANASI, INDIA, August 3, 2011 (manorama online): The state government announced a cultural mini-city project across the Ganges in Varanasi. The project is meant to ease the congestion in the old city. As the 100-odd ghats on the Ganges run contiguous, there is little or no scope for development in the old city. Hence, the state government decided to move across to the opposite bank.
Initiated in February 2008, the mini-city project is modelled on the Union HRD ministry’s cultural zone project. In Varanasi, the project has a strong educational focus. The VDA will develop 600 to 800 acres situated on the Ganges. Prominent Indian private universities have been invited to open off-campus centres on culture studies. In the second phase, the mini-city will have both Union and state government departments collaborating to open training centres in folk and performing arts.
The cultural mini-city is expected to be a hit as Varanasi is a hub of spiritual tourism. A number of hoteliers, spa owners and yoga and meditation centre owners have shown interest in the project. “Certain guidelines have been set for private institutions and organisations,” a VDA official said. “Only those who agree to use the area for cultural, religious or health-related centres are entitled to purchase land from the VDA.”
About 100 sadhus from different sects have purchased land in a 2km radius of the proposed mini-city. A big ashram has been built on an eight-acre plot by Sri Sri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Swamy Shantigiri Maharaj. Known as Maharashtra Ashram, as the sadhu hails from Ellora, it runs a school for poor children.”In future, the ashram will have a number of cultural activities to strengthen the Hindu faith in general and the Shaivite cult in particular,” said Vikash, Ashram manager.