ORWELL BIRTHPLACE NOT FORGOTTEN

To Orwell Today,

Dear Editor, Jackie Jura,

It's great to see your work!

A few days back I wrote in my blog about a recent notification issued by the Motihari district officials, to protect and revive George Orwell's birth place. I wrote in "My Take":

"Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself."

This immortal quote is from Orwell's (a renowned English author), cult classic "Animal Farm". He's considered perhaps the twentieth century's best chronicler of English culture.

There is great news for his worldwide fans who are still rejoicing in his works: His birthplace at Motihari, Bihar in India has been declared a protected site by the Government of Bihar. This site has been enlisted by the 'Art and Culture Department' and is being renovated.

Thanks God! Finally it's being done...

And today, to get some more information about this legendary writer, I came across your website "Orwell Today", which is completely dedicated to this legend who is one of the greatest writers of all time.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed the details of the birth place with the pictures, unseen to most of the world. Here, I'd like to give my special thanks to Clive Collins, for his wonderful report, mentioning beautifully his visit to this holy place: VISITING ORWELL'S INDIA BIRTHPLACE

It's really great news, for all Orwell's fans and followers around the world, that now his site is being taken care of by the Government of Bihar, which has started doing a lot to restore the pride of ancient Bihar.

However, I am from Begusarai, Bihar, a little bit far from Motihari. I'm very keen to keep track of all the developments which are taking place at the actual site in Motihari. It's really a matter of pride for all of us, especially for Bihar.

Thanks,
Dhananjay Kumar

Greetings Dhananjay,

Thanks so much for your warm and enthusiastic comments about my ORWELL TODAY website and for your appreciation of the contributions made by readers who, like yourself, are passionate about creating a SHRINE TO ORWELL at his birthplace in Motihari, Bihar, India. He was born there 107 years ago on June 25, 1903.

When reader Clive Collins visited Motihari in March 2008 there was a plaque in front of Orwell's house. Then last year, symbolically on the 60th anniversary of Orwell's death on January 21, 2010, a statue was erected. See ORWELL STATUE IN MOTIHARI

Now, as I receive your email today, it's January 21, 2011 - the 61st anniversay of Orwell's death.

It's exciting and encouraging to hear from someone living in Bihar, India not far from where Orwell was born. As mentioned in a previous article, I flew over Bihar on my way from Katmandu to Calcutta way back in the 70s, long before my Orwell journey began.

I hope one day soon you'll get a chance to travel to Motihari from your home in Begusarai and you'll send in a report and photos of developments there to share with ORWELL TODAY readers.

It was wonderful news when the government of Bihar made the announcement last year that they were planning to get involved in making our dream come true. See INDIA PROTECTS ORWELL BIRTHPLACE

I did notice, in the news last week from Patna, that the Bihar government hasn't forgotten its promise and is making headway on plans:

Orwell's birthplace in Bihar now a protected site, IBN Live, Jan 15, 2011 (After being neglected for decades, the birthplace of George Orwell, the legendary British author of cult classics like "Animal Farm" and "1984", is set for renovation as the Bihar government has issued a notification declaring it as a protected site. Motihari magistrate Narmadeshwar Lal told IANS over telephone that the government notification has made it clear that Orwell's birthplace has been enlisted by the art and culture department for protection. "The district administration has begun renovation work," Lal said....Lal said the state government has sanctioned a sum of Rs.29 lakh (Rs 2.9 million/35,000 pounds) for its renovation. "More money is likely to be sanctioned in the coming days," he said. The notification for its protection has been issued under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments (Protection) Act, 1976. According to the notification issued by the government, the district administration has been directed to start renovation work immediately with the aim of attracting tourists....

Since reading that article I've been kind of wondering if anyone would write in with comments and so was very pleased to hear from you - and look forward to further good news from Bihar, India.

All the best,
Jackie Jura

To Orwell Today,

Dear Jackie Jura,

I am thrilled and excited to read your encouraging response. It's my dream to visit Orwell's birthplace along with Bapudham in Motihari.

Meanwhile, I'll try to get some latest development with the help of some friends.

Thanks,
Dhananjay Kumar

Jackie Jura
~ an independent researcher monitoring local, national and international events ~

email: orwelltoday@gmail.com
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