Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar inaugurated the 150-year-old revamped ‘Golden Haveli’ on March 9, 2023, at Gali Anar, Dharampura, Chandni Chowk. The restoration work was done under the patronage of former Union Minister and heritage lover Vijay Goel.
Jaishankar visited all three floors of the 19th century mansion that now serves as a guesthouse and witnessed a Kathak dance performance, along with enjoying the delicious food of Chandni Chowk.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jaishankar stated that every citizen must take pride in their heritage and conservation. “All of us today are very much committed to taking forward the dedication to preserve our culture and heritage,” he added.
The Minister emphasized that promoting culture and heritage, generating tourism and expanding employment go hand in hand. "In the G20 year, India is getting world ready, and the world is getting India ready," he said.
Vijay Goel, who spent four years in the restoration work, said that the challenge was to keep the Haveli intact, as the mansion was going down because of its overweight. According to an official statement, Goel visited cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and Aligarh to procure stones and materials for the restoration work. He has also dedicated a room for individuals to remember Mahatma Gandhi.
President of Heritage India Foundation, Goel said that the State and the Central Government should work together for the promotion of tourism in Chandni Chowk and the development of the area in terms of sanitation and security.
