NDA Sudan Block

Can you provide me the details of the Sudan Block in NDA (National Defence Academy (India))?

[pawan]

The administrative headquarters of the NDA (National Defence Academy (India)) was named the Sudan Block, in honour of the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the Sudan theatre during the East African Campaign. It was inaugurated by then Ambassador of Sudan to India, Rahmatullah Abdulla, on 30 May 1959.

In 1941, Lord Linlithgow, then Viceroy of India received a gift of 100,000 from a grateful Sudanese Government towards building a war memorial in recognition of the sacrifices of Indian troops in the liberation of Sudan in the East African Campaign during World War II.

The Sudan Block today is an iconic symbol of the Academy. Its massive Dome is its most eye-catching and remarkable feature and looms over the landscape of Khadakwasla estate. The dome has an ECC Shell lined with Pink Jodhpur Stone. At its peak is 8 Inches diameter Blue Glass Dharma Chakra. It looms over a massive roof of Taylor Tiles.

Its building is a massive, compelling presence lined with Jodhpur Stone. It has an arcade of Grey Chinchwad stone which has an Octagonal Marble Entrance Hall immediately below the dome.

Its inner Dome is about 70 feet high. The marble entrance hall is its grandest feature with black polished Italian marble walls and pillars with polished Brass embellishments.

The effect of its architectural grandeur is improved multiple by the oil paintings of the martyrs of the NDA that hang there. The inner dome has a central eye in shape of Asoka Chakra with gay murals and painted walls.

The Sudan Block has grey stone arches at its entrance gracefully offset by the Pink Stone Colonnades of the first and second floor.

It has imposing stone pillars and galleries and canopied Chajjas on its flanks. From its balconies one can get a truly breath-taking view of the central terraced garden with its fountains and festive flowers.