India’s First Digital Museum to Showcase Tribal Heroes’ Valor

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum in Naya Raipur, highlighting the bravery of tribal freedom fighters.

Raipur, 13 October 2025: On the occasion of the state festival, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the grand museum-cum-memorial in Naya Raipur Atal Nagar, dedicated to the tribal freedom fighters of Chhattisgarh. Initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, this museum will be India’s first digital museum. It will present glimpses of 16 tribal uprisings that took place in Chhattisgarh during the freedom movement. Preparations for the inauguration are in the final stages. Officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, visited the museum today and appreciated its grandeur and vibrant presentation.

Principal Secretary Shri Sonmani Bora guided OSD Shri Ranjana Chopra and Director Shri Dipali Masirkar of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs through the museum, explaining that it symbolizes the historical glory, courage, and sacrifices of Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities. It aims to remind younger generations of the tribal resistance during India’s struggle for independence. The digital presentations of tribal uprisings and their heroes will be a key attraction, making the museum inspiring not just for local visitors but for national and international audiences as well. The entire museum complex is being developed with modern facilities.

Shri Bora mentioned that intricately carved panels created by artists from Surguja will adorn the museum entrance. Inside, a replica of a 1,400-year-old Sal tree has been installed, with its leaves depicting all 14 major uprisings. OSD Shri Ranjana Chopra suggested creating beautiful pathways around the museum pond, installing appropriate lighting, and using tribal art in the interior galleries. She also recommended displaying original historical records, such as jail documents and sentencing orders, in the orientation room to narrate Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s martyrdom.

Additionally, the sword provided by the community in connection with Veer Narayan Singh’s struggle will be preserved and displayed. Audio-visual arrangements, digital screens for the Sonakhan uprising, and tribal-related documentary films will be presented in the galleries, allowing visitors to access information via mobile scanning and listen to accompanying music. Selfie points will also be created.

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum will bring to life the stories of bravery from tribal uprisings during the freedom struggle, including the Halba Rebellion, Surguja Rebellion, Bhopalpatnam Rebellion, Parlakot Rebellion, Tarapur Rebellion, Lingagiri Rebellion, Koi Rebellion, Meria Rebellion, Muria Rebellion, Rani Chauris Rebellion, Bhumkaal Rebellion, Sonakhan Rebellion, Jhanda Satyagraha, and Jungle Satyagraha. Fourteen galleries will depict the valor and struggles of the tribal heroes, with dedicated galleries for the Jungle Satyagraha and Jhanda Satyagraha.

The inauguration event was attended by Dr. Saransh Mittar, Commissioner of Tribal, Scheduled Caste & Backward Classes and Minority Development Department; Dr. Jagdish Sonkar, Director of Chhattisgarh State Minorities Development Corporation; Mrs. Hina Animesh Netam, Director of Chhattisgarh Tribal Research and Training Institute; along with officials associated with the museum’s construction.