India, May 19 -- Tucked away in a corner of the busy Barakhamba Road lies a quiet building that belies its rich historical tapestry, having helped shape India's foreign policy for the past seven decades. Standing as a testimony to a changing nation, this "Mother Institute" celebrated its 70th anniversary this May - it is the Sapru House.

Built in the art deco style with Makrana marble pillars, the Sapru House is more than just the headquarters of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). Diplomats, scholars and historians refer to it as a living repository of ideas, diplomacy and culture, which has stood resilient through India's modern evolution.

For Delhi, it's an equally important landmark building that has seen the Capital grow al...