CONSTRUCTION
OF LANDMARK CULTURAL INSTITUTION COMMENCES AFTER LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE MUSEUM TO SHOWCASE 16TH-CENTURY VRINDAVANI VASTRA
Mumbai
: The construction of state-of-the-art heritage museum – being built in
collaboration between the JSW Group and the Government of Assam – commenced in
Guwahati today.
The commencement of the construction was marked by the laying of the foundation stone by the Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group.
The event was also attended by other distinguished dignitaries including Mrs. Savitri Jindal, Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Shri Bimal Borah, Honourable Minister for Cultural Affairs of Assam, and Mr. Richard Blurton, Museum Curator & Former Head of South and Southeast Asia at British Museum.
The
museum – being built as a landmark cultural institution dedicated to the
preservation and promotion of Assam’s art, culture and heritage - is being
developed at the Sericulture Farm, Khanapara, on a 45,000-square-foot site
allotted by the Government of Assam. The construction of the museum is being fully
funded by the JSW Group. Conceived as a world-class cultural destination, the
museum will host national and international artefacts, travelling exhibitions
and curated cultural showcases, enabling meaningful global cultural exchange.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group,
said, “The ground-breaking of this museum marks the beginning of a
deeply meaningful journey. At JSW, we believe cultural institutions play a
vital role in shaping the society’s identity and inspiring future generations.
This museum is our tribute to Assam’s extraordinary artistic and spiritual
legacy, and our commitment to creating a world-class space that places Indian
heritage at the heart of global cultural conversations.”
The
museum will house modern conservation facilities, including advanced climate
control and security systems, ensuring the long-term preservation of priceless
artefacts. Conceived as a long-term partnership between the Government of Assam
and the JSW Group, the museum aims to become a cultural landmark for the
Northeast.
Among its
highlights will be the inaugural exhibition of the Vrindavani Vastra,
the celebrated 16th-century devotional textile woven under the spiritual
guidance of Srimanta Sankardev. Regarded as one of Assam’s most
significant surviving sacred textiles, the Vrindavani Vastra is composed of
multiple woven silk panels depicting narrative scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, from the early life
of Krishna in Vrindavan, including the Kaliyadamana
and Vastraharana.
The
museum underscores a shared commitment to fostering greater understanding of
Assam’s cultural heritage and elevating its recognition at both national and
international levels. The initiative reflects a collective effort to celebrate
Assam’s artistic excellence while strengthening global cultural dialogue.