This renowned conservator and his team of trained engineers and artisans specialize in the protection and care of India’s tangible cultural heritage, specifically architecture and art. Rajan’s vast experience and expertise in using traditional, reversible methods to restore & conserve heritage buildings ensures minimal intervention while guaranteeing long-term benefits, and is accompanied by comprehensive research, documentation and education.
Since 1985, Aptsorbh (Agency for Providing Traditional Solutions on the Restoration of Built Heritage), an ISO 9001: 2015 certified organization, has carried out conservation work in several states across India, with a specific focus on architecture, art, and archaeological and museum collections, an activity best described as ethical stewardship. The initial scope of such work has widened from the protection and care of art and architecture to adaptive re-use of buildings and structures, self-generating funds for continued upkeep, and maintenance of such aspects of the nation’s past.
Rajan’s master’s degree in archaeology and life membership of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage has always influenced his emphasis on using traditional craftspeople and methods, integrating unprotected heritage sites into daily social life, linking new and old, with neither overshadowing the other. This has greatly contributed to his success story with various state governments and the Government of India calling on his expertise on various occasions. Buildings are repaired by removing modern additions like cement and concrete and replacing them with traditional lime mortar, ground seashells, aloe vera, egg white, jaggery, natural indigo and other such materials. Mural paintings are cleaned without chemicals and restored using pigments from vegetable dyes and powdered minerals, harmoniously incorporating architectural elements of the space into the picture. Care is taken to retain visual identity while continuing to retain the structure’s relevance in contemporary society.
Some of his notable commissions have been Mehdi Manzil in Hyderabad, Telangana; Suchindram, Thiruppudaimarudur, Srirangam & Thiruvattar Temples in Tamil Nadu; All Saints Church & CSI Garrison Wesley Church in Secunderabad, Telangana; the Kerala Legislative Assembly Museum; Padmanabhapuram Palace; Vypeen Kotta Seminary, Chendamangalam, and The Nizam’s Garden Pavilion at Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, while his restoration work on the East Fort Heritage Area in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala was commended by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Kerala. Among the multiple assignments that Rajan is working on now, the most prestigious could be the restoration of the Madras High Court Buildings, commissioned by the Government of India.
Lion. P.S. Rajan Family Background: He is living with his Spouse Lioness. Radha Rajan has been also an active member of the Lion’s club of Thuckalay since 1991. They are blessed with two children: Daughter Ms. R.R. Rohini, Structural Engineer is married to Mr. Hanush H Nair, Software Engineer, Adobe and they are blessed with a son Krysanth H Nair; Son Mr. R. Sreeram, who is pursuing B.Arch.
He is also an active member of the Lion’s club of Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district since 1985 and continuously involves himself in social activities like planting of saplings; organizing general & eye medical camps; the adoption of hamlets; rehabilitation of destitute and widows. Since 1985 he and his team have constantly served in the motto “Eradication of blindness and awareness about diabetics” in the Kanyakumari district.
Due to the above-said accomplishments and experience, the association of Nanma Maram Global Foundation (Reg No: 201/2021) with him towards environmental protection and sustainable development can lead to achieving the dream of Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam “Billion Trees for Billion People”.