Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the under-construction ‘Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Adivasi Swatantrata Senani Sangrahalaya’ near the Tribal Research and Training Institute in Nava Raipur on August 29. This museum, dedicated to Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom fighters, is being developed on approximately 10 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs. 45 crore.
Tribal Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam was also present. During the visit, Shri Sai inspected the statues, artworks, and various models in the museum. He interacted with the sculptors, discussing their techniques, and expressed that the Tribal Museum will become a significant centre highlighting Chhattisgarh’s tribal pride. He praised the museum as a unique initiative to preserve the state’s rich heritage, focussing on the patriotism, bravery, and sacrifices of Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom fighters.
The Chief Minister directed departmental officials and construction agency representatives to complete the museum work within the stipulated time frame without compromising on quality. He stressed the importance of the museum in educating the younger generation and future generations about their history. Shri Sai also mentioned that the museum would be a focal point for those interested in understanding tribal culture and civilisation. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about all of Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom fighters, including Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, the state’s first freedom fighter.
The Principal Secretary of the Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department, Shri Sonmani Borah, informed that the ‘Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Adivasi Swatantrata Senani Sangrahalaya’ will feature 15 galleries. These galleries will vividly depict major tribal freedom struggles through live models, including the Halba Rebellion, Surguja Rebellion, Bhopal-Pattnam Rebellion, Paralkot Rebellion, Lingagiri Rebellion, Koi Rebellion, Maria Rebellion, Muria Rebellion, Rani Choris Rebellion, Bhumkal Rebellion, Sonakhan Rebellion, Jhanda Satyagraha, and Jungle Satyagraha. Additionally, the museum will authentically showcase the lifestyle, attire, jewellery, music, instruments, hunting weapons, and daily-use items of Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities.
The museum complex will also include a fibre statue of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, his memorial, the site of his hanging, a small lake, and landscaped gardens. Statues of other brave tribal freedom fighters will be installed throughout the museum. The facility will offer amenities such as a reception area, souvenir shop, food court, multimedia room, restrooms, and parking.
A solar energy system will be installed on the roof, and the main entrance will be adorned with intricate tribal artwork. A team of sculptors from Vadodara, Kolkata, Odisha, Hyderabad, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Bihar, under the leadership of curator Shri Prabal Ghosh, are crafting the statues and tribal artefacts for the museum.
During his visit, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai also inspected the library and models of significant events in Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom struggle at the Tribal Research and Training Institute. During the library visit, Tribal Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam scanned a QR code in the book ‘Adi Naad’, dedicated to Chhattisgarh’s tribal folk music culture, which played the sound of the instrument when scanned.
Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Rahul Bhagat, Commissioner of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department, Shri Narendra Kumar Dugga, and Director of Tribal Research and Training Institute, Shri P.S. Elma, were also present.
