New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Thursday the 'Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya' (prime ministers' museum), which is a tribute to every prime minister since Independence, irrespective of their ideology or tenure.


The Prime Minister became the first official visitor of the museum as he purchased the first ticket before the inauguration. PM Modi paid for the ticket via digital mode.


 





Built and opened during the celebration of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', the museum tells the story of India after independence through the lives and contributions of its prime ministers.

"Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the contribution of all the Prime Ministers of India towards nation-building, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since independence, irrespective of their ideology or tenure in office," the PMO said.

The museum is aimed at sensitizing and inspiring the younger generation about the leadership, vision, and achievements of all our prime ministers.


Located in the national capital's Teen Murti complex, the museum's inauguration date collides with the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar - the architect of the Indian Constitution.


Prime Minister Modi also addressed the inaugural event and spoke about the museum and its benefits to the youth. Here are some key points from his speech:



  • He said, "This museum is a great inspiration for us at a time when we are celebrating 75 years of independence...I can also see families of former PMs today. This event is graced by their presence."

  • He added that it is a matter of pride for all Indians that most of our prime ministers have come from very humble families and every government has a role in taking India to where it stands today.

  • Speaking about how the museum will inspire the younger generations, PM Modi said, "Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya' will open doors of knowledge, ideas, experience for coming generations."

  • The Prime Minister added, "Today PM Sangrahalaya has also become a living reflection of the shared heritage of each government that served the country," the Prime Minister said.."


Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay Design


Representing a seamless blend of the old and the new, the museum integrates the erstwhile Teen Murti Bhawan designated as Block I with the newly constructed building designated as Block II. The total area of the two blocks is over 15,600 square metres, the PMO said.

The design of the museum building is inspired by the story of rising India, shaped and moulded by the hands of its leaders.

The design incorporates sustainable and energy conservation practices. The Prime Minister's office also said that during the construction of the museum no tree was felled or transplanted during the course of work on the project. The logo of the museum represents the hands of the people of India holding the Dharma Chakra symbolizing the nation and democracy, it said.

Information for the museum was collected through resources and repositories with institutions such as Prasar Bharati, Doordarshan, Films Division, Sansad TV, Ministry of Defence, and media houses (Indian and foreign), and foreign news agencies among others.

Appropriate use of archives, some personal items, gifts and memorabilia, speeches of prime ministers and anecdotal representation of ideologies and different aspects of their lives have been reflected in a thematic format.


Along with accurate information collected from authentic sources and the museum has employed cutting-edge technology-based interfaces to encompass heterogeneity in content and frequent rotation of the display.

Holograms, virtual reality, augmented reality, multi-touch, multimedia, interactive kiosks, computerized kinetic sculptures, smartphone applications, interactive screens and experiential installations enable the exhibition content to become highly interactive and engaging.

There are a total of 43 galleries. Starting from displays on freedom struggle and the framing of the Constitution, the museum goes on to tell the story of how our prime ministers navigated the nation through various challenges and ensured the all-round progress of the country.