Motihari: Bihar Art and Culture Minister Vinay Bihari on Thursday formally launched the renovation and beautification work of the birthplace of famous author, journalist and critic George Orwell at Motihari in East Champaran district of Bihar, around 165 km from Patna.
Orwell, the author of novels like Animal Farm and Ninteen Eighty-Four, was born Eric Arthur Blair at Motihari on June 25, 1903.
His father R W Blair worked in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service. Orwell was just one year old when his family returned to England, but the house survived in a dilapidated condition.
The repair and renovation work would be done at a cost of Rs 59.5 lakh keeping the original structure of the house intact. A park, water supply, public amenities, external and internal lighting as well as a cafeteria would be added to it along with a museum on Orwell within the premises.
"We will complete the work within five months and develop the birthplace into a memorable one for visitors. Orwell was British but his heart was Indian. The state government is dedicated towards conserving the place," said Bihari.
The minister added that more funds would be allotted in the coming phases to upgrade Orwell's birthplace to a memorial of international standards.
The renovation work was being executed by the Building Construction Department (BCD) and would be spread over 2.48 acres of land.
A Satyagrah Park over another 2.5 acres adjacent to it would be developed to commemorate the launch of Satyagrah Movement in the country by Mahatma Gandhi from the undivided Champaran district.
Three years ago, former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, during his visit to Motihari, had expressed his worry over the neglect of Orwell's birthplace and had asked officials to chalk out a plan to restore and renovate it. It is now a state protected monument.
