PM Modi inaugurates India’s first digital museum on tribal freedom fighters in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, which is the country’s first digital tribal museum. The grand museum is dedicated to the Adivasi bravehearts who sacrificed their lives fighting against the British rule and upholding the honour of Chhattisgarh. While Bhagwan Birsa Munda is a source of inspiration for tribals across the country, Veer Narayan Singh, the zamindar of Sonakhan in Chhattisgarh, had raised the banner of revolt against the British. He gave his life while fighting against injustice and exploitation and is considered the first martyr of Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai had decided to establish this unique museum in Naya Raipur to preserve the memories of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and other Adivasi heroes who fought the British. The museum, located in Sector-24, Nava Raipur, has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 50 crore. Its design, concept, and technical structure are based on the latest standards. The complex offers state-of-the-art VFX technology, projection systems, digital screens, and the facility to scan QR codes on mobile phones. This allows visitors to experience every narrative through a digital medium. The museum vividly showcases the story of major Adivasi movements in Chhattisgarh, including the Halba, Sarguja, Bhopalpattnam, Parlkot, Tarapur, Lingagiri, Koi, Meria, Muria, Rani Chauris, Bhumkal, Sonakhan, Jhanda Satyagraha, and Jungle Satyagraha rebellions.

These historical revolts are divided into 14 sectors to help visitors understand each struggle and its inspiring saga. The museum complex also houses a grand memorial to Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh. The memorial will serve not only as a place of tribute but also as a source of inspiration for the new generation. The entrance features beautifully carved panels created by artists from Sarguja. Replicas of 1400-year-old Sal, Mahua, and Saja trees have been installed in the complex.

The digital stories of the 14 rebellions are etched onto their leaves. The modern complex is equipped with a selfie point, special amenities for divyangjan and senior citizens, flooring decorated with tribal art, and statues of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Shaheed Gend Singh. These features make the museum a lively centre for cultural and emotional experience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the tradition of observing Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

He launched the country’s biggest campaign for bringing the tribal community into the mainstream, PM-JANMAN, and the Pradhan Mantri Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana. These initiatives prioritise development in education, health, livelihood, and basic infrastructure in tribal areas.

The inauguration of the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum by the Prime Minister will be recorded as a moment in Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee year that brings together history, tradition, and modernity. Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah briefed the PM about the museum and galleries during his visit. PM spent more than scheduled time in the Museum. Union minister Jewel Oram and MoS Durgadas Uike of tribal affairs, state tribal minister Ram Vichar Netam, Union Secretary Ranjana Chopra accompanied the PM during inauguration and walk through of the Indias largest Museum on Tribal Freedom Fighters.