One memorial for Dr. Ida Scudder, which to me, is most appropriate is this arch to the entrance to the first hospital which she established, which is preserved at the current site of the eye hospital.
It is prominently placed at the entrance that it calls for attention of any visitor!
Memorials can be imposing or contemplative. I like this inscription on the granite arch because it brings a contemplative dimension to the viewers. The inscription of 'Mary Tabel Schell' is in tribute to the wife of the main donor for the building the first hospital in 1902.
This is all about the small beginnings. It is a few who would have contributed to let this happen! They were goodwill offerings for a worthy cause. The arch was only a symbolic statement of a significant event.
Let me suggest that in our attempt to perpetuate the memory of people who are dear to us, we make simple memorials, which are reflective of their contribution, and yet, communicative of the simplicity with such men and women lived their lives.
The culture prevalent now, is its opposite. The government of India is going to spend 500 crores of rupees or more to erect a larger than life size statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India. The reason- we must have a statue larger in size than the statue of liberty and eclipse the prominence Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime minister of India, from our post-independent India n history!
Are we honouring someone or competing!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
If only they'd look around and see how much good 500crores could do for our dear country!!
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