Bhubaneswar: Inaugurating the 90th foundation day celebrations of the Odisha State Museum here Friday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and has become an identity marker of the state. “All the high school students of the state need to be made familiar with the museum, where they can learn a lot about our glorious past,” he said while extending his greetings to the museum officials on this occasion. Joining as chief guest, chief advisor to Chief Minister R Balakrishnan said that the state museum houses all historical elements of Odisha and is an essential component of progress as there is a need to develop soft powers like culture and heritage.
On the occasion, Karthikeyan said that language, literature and culture are the foundation of a nation. “A nation can only develop if these foundations are protected and preserved,” she added while informing that the museum will be transformed under 5T initiative for further development and to attract the youths of the state. Emphasising museums’ role in nation-building, as the chief speaker, eminent museologist Jyotindra Jain said that the material available in the Odisha State Museum is extensive. Similarly, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation chairman Lenin Mohanty urged everyone to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the state, which will help accelerate the pace of development.
At the event, the Cultural Calendar, 2024 and special issue of ‘The Odisha Historical Research Journal’ were unveiled. Musical fountain, audio visuals of the first Odia commentary of ‘Ushaavilasa,’ an animal carnival selfie-zone were inaugurated, while three wheels of chariot Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana were presented to the public. Notably, the museum was inaugurated in 1932 at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack by Nirmal Chandra Banerjee and Ghanshyam Dash. Later, it was shifted to the Odisha State Museum building at Kalpana Square in the Capital City.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
