Indian Heritage Centre glitters

SOON after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong opened the Indian Heritage Centre, guests turned their gaze upwards as nearly 60 classical Indian dancers on all four floors of the centre's facade started dancing to a rhythmic beat belted out by an orchestra on the ground.

Earlier, Mr Lee said the new $21 million centre in Campbell Lane celebrates the contributions of Indians who played a vital role in Singapore's history and left a deep mark on the country. "It reminds us of the importance of our heritage, which anchors our place and identity in a rapidly changing world," said Mr Lee.

He added that the centre is a timely birthday gift as Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary and decades of diplomatic ties between the Republic and India.

Mooted in 2008, the 3,090 sq m, four-storey centre is the culmination of about seven years of work. It cost $16 million to build, and another $5 million to outfit.

In his opening speech, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office S. Iswaran, the chairman of the centre's steering committee, thanked the community for loaning or donating artefacts, such as family heirlooms, to the centre.

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