Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a museum, Prime Minister Sangrahalaya, dedicated to the legacy of India’s former leaders in New Delhi. The depository boasts 43 galleries and is an interactive space with holograms, virtual reality, augmented reality, computerised kinetic sculptures, and more. By Eshita Srinivas
A narrative record of the contributions made by the leaders of India since its independence over 75 years ago, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya was inaugurated by PM Modi today, noting the 131st birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The museum seamlessly merges aspects of history with modern sensibilities and aims to sensitise the younger generation to the former Prime Ministers’ vision, achievement, and approach to leadership.
The Prime Minister Sangrahalaya in New Delhi incorporates sustainable energy practices
Built at a cost of INR 271 core at the Teen Murti complex in New Delhi, the museum has two functional blocks, namely the Teen Murti Bhawan (designated as Block I) and the newly-constructed building (designated as Block II). The total area of these spaces is over 15, 600 square metres, with over 43 galleries, a report by the Financial Express states.
The design of the building itself incorporates sustainable and energy conservation practices, with no tree being felled during the course of work. The Sangrahalaya logo represents the hands of the people of India holding the Dharma Chakra, which symbolises India’s democracy. Information for all the exhibits was sourced from repositories with institutions such as the Ministry of Defence, Films Division, Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati, Foreign News Agencies, and Indian and foreign media houses, Business Standard reports.
Some glimpses from the programme to inaugurate the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WJaf1fpQRg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2022
All the collected works, literary and correspondence, personal items, gifts, memorabilia, speeches, and anecdotal representations of the leaders’ ideologies have been reflected in a thematic format, using cutting-edge technology. This includes features like holograms, virtual reality, augmented reality, multi-touch multimedia, interactive kiosks, experiential installations, and more.
This intends to make the exhibition more engaging, starting from displays on the freedom struggle and the drafting of the Constitution to the challenges and progress that swept the country, News 18 reports.
During the inauguration, Modi commended the contributions of the former prime ministers toward the country’s development. “In the coming years, whatever names will be added to Prime Minister Sangrahalaya will represent the energy and strength of New India. At a time when the whole world is looking up to India with hope, we have to deliver and reach new heights in the next 25 years,” he was quoted as saying in a report by the Hindustan Times.
The museum will remain open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (March-October); 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (November-February). The space will also host light and sound shows from 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm (March-October); 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm (November-February). The space will remain shut on Mondays and official holidays.
For further information, visit the official website here.
All images: Courtesy Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
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