The Hindu : dated January 22, 1954: Ideal Home

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Thursday, Jan 22, 2004

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dated January 22, 1954: Ideal Home

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur wrote referring to an International Exhibition on Low-Cost Housing, "My ideal house for the minimum needs of a family is two bed rooms, a living room, a verandah eight feet wide, kitchen, lavatory, bath, and a courtyard. This ideal cannot be achieved by the Central or State Governments — the subsidy would be beyond our mean. For the time being, we may two have rooms, not too small, lighted and airy. Built-in cupboards in the walls can hold clothing and knick-knacks, allowing as much space as possible for cots, and for sitting.

The kitchen should allow enough room for pots and pans on shelves, and enable a woman to cook without having to stoop. There should be a tap under which cooking pots can be washed, and an inexpensive smokeless chula to provide hot water. In the West, when new house designs come up, building firms consult committees of women to advise on changes to lighten the burden of the housewife. Shortage of domestic help in the West has led to labour-saving devices.

We should think along those lines too, for the high cost of living is making it difficult for people to afford domestic staff. There is great beauty in the shape of a room, or the lay-out of a courtyard. Utility and beauty need not be antagonistic. I have great hopes that this International Exhibition will help educate us to keep our homes as they should be kept. Better housing will make for better health and happiness."

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