PM Modi said the Biplobi Bharat Gallery is proof of his government's commitment to preserve and enhance the heritage of West Bengal and informed that work on renovating the state's iconic landmarks like Victoria Memorial, iconic galleries, Metcalfe House, etc., is almost over.
New Delhi: On the occasion of Shaheed Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, March 23, inaugurated Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall via video conferencing. Governor of West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy were among those present on occasion.
The Prime Minister started his address by expressing condolence for the victims of a violent incident in Birbhum.
"I would urge the people of Bengal to never forgive the perpetrators of such incidents and those who encourage such criminals," he said.
Remembering the martyrs on the Shaheed Diwas, the Prime Minister said that the tales of the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev inspire all of us to work tirelessly for the country.
"The legacy of our past guides our present, inspires us to build a better future. Therefore, today the country sees its history, its past, as a living source of energy," he maintained.
The Prime Minister said 'New India' is bringing the country's heritage back from abroad where ancient statues used to be smuggled to with impunity. He said only a dozen statues could be brought to India before 2014. But in the last seven years, he said, this number has increased to more than 225.
The Prime Minister said that after 'Nirbhik Subhas', a new pearl has been added to Kolkata's rich heritage in the shape of Biplobi Bharat Gallery. He said that the Biplobi Bharat Gallery is proof of his government's commitment to preserve and enhance the heritage of West Bengal. He informed that work on renovating the state's iconic landmarks like Victoria Memorial, iconic galleries, Metcalfe House, etc., is almost over.
PM Modi informed that a nationwide campaign is going on in India to increase heritage tourism. Heritage tourism is being given impetus through several schemes like Swadesh Darshan, he said.
The Prime Minister said that with initiatives like a memorial for Dandi March, renovation of Jallianwala memorial, Statue of Unity, Deendayal Samarak, Babasaheb Memorial, Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial, beautification of ghats in Ayodhya and Kashi or renovation of temples all over India, heritage tourism is opening new possibilities.
The Gallery displays the contribution of the Revolutionaries in the freedom struggle and their armed resistance to British colonial rule. This aspect has often not been given its due place in the mainstream narrative of the freedom movement. This new gallery provides a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 and highlight the important role played by the Revolutionaries.
Biplobi Bharat Gallery depicts the political and intellectual backdrop that triggered the Revolutionary movement.
It showcases the birth of the revolutionary movement, formation of significant associations by revolutionary leaders, spread of the movement, formation of the Indian National Army, the contribution of Naval Mutiny, among others, an official release said.
