Lady Helen Hamlyn is convinced that she owes some of the most beautiful moments in her life to her passion for everything Indian. The Britisher is not just another globetrotter passing through India. She has earned her reputation by striving to lift human conditions in different walks of life.
The wife of Paul Hamlyn, who owns Hamlyn Books, wears several hats. She started off with a degree in fashion designing from the Royal College of Arts in Britain. She later delved into history and formed two foundations to take up unique missions in India.
At 84, Hamlyn is busy conserving dilapidated palaces and historical monuments across India. Several palaces in Rajasthan and Goa owe their existence to the British woman and her foundations. Hamlyn has her eyes set on Kochi, where several historical monuments including the Chittoor Palace cry for attention.
The Helen Hamlyn Foundation is not a for-profit entity. “We take over history and preserve it for future generations,” Hamlyn said. Her efforts were recognised by the French government with a Chevalier honour in 2006.
She was all praise for India’s cultural heritage when Manorama caught up with Hamlyn at the Chittoor Palace in Kochi.
Why are you so much in awe of India?
I have been travelling to India for about 40 years. This country is rich in culture and history. The vast history has left its traces everywhere. Still we are not sure if those relics are preserved as they should be. They are invaluable. Our generation has a duty to conserve them. I am only doing my bit.
How does society respond to the conservation of heritage property?
The plight of a museum in Kochi really saddened me. Historical articles are not handled properly. It is really important. The current generation has to realise the importance of historical conservation. India does not seem to have a public plan regarding this. Most of them are owned by government, trusts or private persons. Conservation is a costly affair. You need to have a fair amount of knowledge about the items you want to conserve. We have to train the young generation. I had renovated the old house I lived in when I was just 18 years old. That was a major event in my life.
The foundation in your name is also focused on charitable activities. How do you juggle with several different fields?
You are never short of time if you have the will. The Helen Hamlyn Foundation was formed when I was 50 years old, in 1984. That was a birthday present for me. We could work with areas as diverse as art, culture, education, fashion and even robotics and encourage talented people. We are imparting training in filmmaking for students as part of the Kochi Muziris Biennale.
As a constant traveller, how do you view the impact of technological development on our lives?
I think the elderly deserve more care. We need designs to make their lives, movement and travels easier. We need better kitchens and washrooms. We have to give priority to improve the lives of the people.
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