Rashtrapati Bhavan now a converging place of history and tech

Days of cramming history are a passe as a visual treat awaits enthusiasts on Sunday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum complex where a convergence of technology and history will chronicle the life and works of the present and the former presidents of the country.

The museum complex which opens from Sunday is spread across three buildings--Garages Museum, Clock Tower, Stables Museum.

An initiative of President Pranab Mukherjee, the museum complex is equipped with state-of-the-art holographic projections and 4D screens recounting the life and works of the presidents of the country.

To support the interactive demonstration there are various flip books through which visitors can learn about the events on an e-book. Copies of the Constitution in both Hindi and English are there in the form of flip books.

The rich flora and fauna of the President's Estate will be showcased in a high-tech gallery which re-creates animal sounds providing a natural ambience.

The museum also consists of a virtual reality room where one can enjoy a walk with Mahatma Gandhi and a 3D theatre to display a 10 minute film about his role in the freedom movement.

It also has a replica of the President's study where he meets the visitors and signs documents. The museum visitors can also click picture with the President with the help of the virtual technology.

The museum has a representation of the 11 Murti named March to Freedom showing the beginning of the freedom movement.

The entire freedom movement from 1905 to 1947 is displayed with the help of statues and is supported by flip books where one can read about particular events, starting from Bengal Partition to Independence of India and creation of Pakistan.

"The museum was made in 18 months which include the planning as well. All the works were done by local India artists," said Anjali B M Bakshi, Officer on Special Duty in the President's Secretariat.

The museum showcases, in separate windows, personal belongings of all 13 Presidents, giving a glimpse into their lifestyle, choice of clothes and habits.

The Garages Museum is constructed on three floors--

ground, upper basement and lower basement. The entrance at the ground floor has three coaches--Victoria, Luggage and training coach along with a Mercedes Benz 500SEL--which were used during various presidencies.

The entire process of construction is also explained with an aerial view of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the various stages involved in its making.

"The president's interest in history is the main reason behind its construction. We did not destroy the beauty of the heritage so we constructed everything underground," said Venu Rajamony, Press Secretary to President of India.

"The museum complex will be open all days from 9 AM to 4 PM except Mondays. The tickets for the museum can be booked online at the President's website," he said.

"Entry and exit for visitors will be through Gate number 30 on Mother Teresa Crescent Road. The entry fee will be Rs 50 per person and children below eight years of age will be exempted from this charge," he added.

The Garages Museum was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July, this year marking the fourth anniversary of the president assuming office.

It is spread over 10,000 square meters and depicts the life in Rashtrapati Bhavan in general. The museum also has an art gallery for holding temporary exhibitions.