With just three days left for US President Barack Obama to visit Taj Mahal on Tuesday, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to receive any formal intimation of the visit.
ASI Additional Director General B R Mani confirmed that the agency hasn’t received any information yet from either the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of External Affairs, regarding Obama’s visit to the World Heritage Monument in Agra.
Senior officials at ASI believe that the agency is being kept out of the loop in view of the tight-security arrangements around Obama’s visit. Even ASI Director General Rakesh Tiwari has not received an invite to receive and accompany the guests on their tour. “We may get intimation later from the Ministry, as there are still a few days to go,” Tiwari told The Indian Express.
Agra Circle Superintending Archaeologist N K Pathak said that though he had not received any official information from the headquarters, he has begun preparations. “I will be there to receive the US President and other guests at the monument on Tuesday, as Taj Mahal falls under my jurisdiction. I am also assisting the police and security agencies in all possible ways,” he said. Usually, when foreign dignitaries visit, archaeologists from the local ASI Circle Office host them — taking them around the important monuments, explaining the history, culture and architecture of each site.
“We do not know if we will be asked to take him around Taj Mahal. In case they do, Agra Circle is fully prepared for it. However, it is possible that the US department hires its own guides… Language is not an issue in the present case, but it is all very unclear,” Pathak added.
Describing the situation as “very serious”, a senior ASI official, on condition of anonymity, said that this is the first time ASI is being “sidelined” in view of the security apparatus. “Agencies responsible for his (Obama) security are very apprehensive, the drill is much harder this time,” the officer said.
Former Delhi Circle Superintending Archaeologist, K K Mohammad, who showed Obama and Michelle around Humayun’s Tomb when he visited Delhi four years ago, recalled how “curious” the couple had been. “There was absolutely no difficulty. Everything went smoothly. In fact, it was Michelle who asked me most questions on the architecture and construction materials used in Mughal times.”
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