The Business Bytes
THE BUSINESS BYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 7, 2025
“Odisha State Museum stands as a living testament to our rich culture, heritage, traditions, and history,” said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Inaugurating nine new galleries at the museum on Tuesday, Majhi emphasized the institution’s vital role in preserving and showcasing the essence of Odisha’s identity. “This museum is not just a collection of artifacts; it is the heart of our culture, a symbol of our pride, and a reminder of our journey through time,” he said.
The Chief Minister underscored the museum’s significance as a custodian of Odisha’s historical and geographical wealth. “Our government is committed to ensuring the continuous development and enhancement of this museum, which serves as a crucial link to our past and a beacon for future generations,” Majhi said. He further highlighted the uniqueness of the newly added galleries, affirming the government’s resolve to further enrich the museum’s offerings. “These new galleries will provide deeper insights into the diverse and vibrant heritage of Odisha, showcasing the breadth of our state’s cultural, historical, and natural wealth,” he added.
The newly inaugurated galleries include the Prehistoric Gallery, Royal and Ivory Gallery, Zoology Gallery, Geology and Mining Gallery, Art Gallery, Mask Gallery, Tribal Gallery, Handicrafts Gallery, and the Orientation Hall. Each gallery presents visitors with an opportunity to explore Odisha’s diverse heritage, from ancient relics to contemporary crafts, offering a deeper understanding of the state’s rich traditions. “Each gallery is a chapter in Odisha’s story, bringing to life the many facets of our state’s identity,” said Majhi.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Majhi toured the galleries, admiring the exceptional collections that tell the story of Odisha’s past and present. His visit also included a stop at the newly established Ramayana Exhibition Hall and the Artifacts Exhibition, both of which bring cultural narratives to life through captivating displays of artwork and historical objects. “The Ramayana Exhibition Hall is a tribute to Odisha’s artistic storytelling traditions, offering an immersive experience that connects our ancient myths with our modern sensibilities,” he said.
The Prehistoric Gallery takes visitors on a journey through time, featuring tools and artifacts from early human settlements in Odisha. Meanwhile, the Royal and Ivory Gallery showcases the grandeur of the state’s royal heritage, displaying intricate ivory carvings and royal memorabilia. The Zoology Gallery offers an insightful look into Odisha’s wildlife, showcasing the region’s diverse fauna, lakes, and avian species. The Geology and Mining Gallery highlights the state’s mineral resources and its significant role in the national economy.
The Art Gallery celebrates Odisha’s artistic traditions, featuring woodcarving, needlework, textile art, and shadow art. The Mask Gallery showcases the region’s traditional performance art, while the Tribal Gallery offers an immersive experience into the lifestyle, festivals, and history of Odisha’s tribal communities. The Handicrafts Gallery highlights the state’s renowned textile and weaving crafts, celebrated for their artistry and precision.
A standout feature of the event was the unveiling of the Ramayana Exhibition Hall, an extraordinary collection that brings the rich storytelling traditions of Odisha to life through sculptures, artwork, and interactive exhibits. Complementing this, the Artifacts Exhibition displayed a remarkable array of artifacts that trace the cultural evolution of the region over centuries, enriching visitors’ understanding of Odisha’s cultural milestones.
The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the release of four new books, further enhancing the museum’s literary and cultural resources, offering visitors more opportunities to explore the state’s heritage. These new publications will serve as invaluable resources for those looking to delve deeper into the stories and traditions that shape Odisha.
Among others, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Principal Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department Sanjeev Mishra, Director Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Odisha State Museum Superintendent Dr. Bhagyalipi Malla were present on the occasion.
