Imbued with an aura of simplicity and innovation, the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, popularly known as the Museum of Prime Ministers, has made headlines for its impressive revenue generation. In merely a year of its operation, it has generated an astounding ₹6.80 crores, thanks to its unique features and creative activities. This news was unveiled in a Right to Information (RTI) reply, sought by activist Dr Vivek Pandey on July 4, 2023.

The museum, which serves as a tribute to the legacy of India's Prime Ministers, isn't just a repository of historical artifacts but is an innovative space where history meets technology. Driven by the unique confluence of simplicity and innovation - a trait synonymous with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership style - the museum's journey since its inauguration on April 22, 2022, by PM Modi himself, has been nothing short of remarkable.

The heartening information regarding its revenue generation was disclosed in an RTI query, which sought clarity on the total revenue generated by Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya and the diverse sources of this income. The institution, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, has successfully turned history into a revenue-generating powerhouse.

According to the RTI reply, the museum earned a total revenue of ₹6,80,14,581 through several sources. These include the sale of entry tickets, hosting a light and sound show, add-on experiences, and earnings from an on-site cafeteria. Moreover, some creatively devised experiences also contributed significantly to the revenue. For instance, the 'selfie with PM' activity raked in a hefty ₹42,48,650, while other innovative activities like 'Walk with PM' and 'handwritten letter from PM' earned ₹26.07 lakhs and ₹20.85 lakhs, respectively.

Additionally, the 'Bhavishya ki Jhalkiyan' (Glimpses of the Future), a virtual reality helicopter ride, amassed a total of ₹56,83,000. The 'Audio Guide Device for Hire', another thoughtful addition for visitors to understand the exhibits better, also contributed ₹2,46,100 to the revenue.

Nestled in the sprawling 25-acre Teen Murti Bhavan complex, the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay is a testament to the contributions of India's Prime Ministers to nation-building. This high-tech museum paints the story of their leadership, vision, and achievements using the palette of advanced visual and digital means. It seamlessly blends the historical legacy of the old Teen Murti Bhavan into the new masterplan, symbolically connecting the past, present, and future of Indian leadership.

This architectural marvel, crowned by a hemispherical dome and an Ashoka Chakra, portrays the narrative of a rising India, crafted meticulously by its leaders. The sustainable design strategy ensures no trees were cut or transplanted during its construction, reflecting the importance of environmental preservation amidst progress.

The museum provides an immersive experience to visitors by housing personal items, gifts, and memorabilia of prime ministers, their speeches, and anecdotal representations of ideologies in 43 uniquely themed galleries. These galleries serve as a narrative journey that enables the visitors to traverse through various phases of Indian leadership.

What sets the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay apart is its fusion of history with cutting-edge technology. From holograms and virtual reality to augmented reality, multi-touch multimedia, interactive kiosks, computerized kinetic sculptures, smartphone applications, interactive screens, and experiential installations, the museum offers an engaging and state-of-the-art experience.

In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalay is more than just a museum. It is a space where history, technology, and innovation intersect, creating an unparalleled visitor experience that not only educates and inspires but also contributes significantly to the nation's revenue. It stands as a testament to the power of creative thinking and strategic planning, showcasing how a simple yet innovative approach can yield remarkable results.

From Nehru's Residence to the Prime Ministers' Museum: A Significant Shift in India's Political Narrative

The Teen Murti Bhavan, a significant landmark in India's political history, has a rich and complex past. The building, originally known as the Flagstaff House, was constructed in 1930 as part of the new imperial capital of India, New Delhi. It was designed by Robert Tor Russell, the British architect responsible for Connaught Place and the Eastern and Western Courts on Janpath during the British Raj. The building served as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army.

Following India's independence in 1947, the building became the official residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru resided in the Teen Murti Bhavan for 16 years until his death in 1964. The building was then converted into a museum dedicated to Nehru, and the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society was established to manage the institution.

The Teen Murti Bhavan is located in a posh area of Delhi and spans over a 25-acre estate. The existing memorial/library building occupies just half an acre, indicating that there is ample space within the premises. The complex houses various institutions, including the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society (PMMML), which runs under the Indian Ministry of Culture, and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, a memorial and museum to honor the Prime Ministers of India.

The decision to rename the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library has been a significant step. This change is seen as an effort to integrate and dedicate the museum to all the prime ministers of India, rather than focusing solely on Nehru. This move is seen as a way to recognize and honor the contributions of all the prime ministers who have served the nation, providing a more comprehensive view of India's political history.

However, this decision has also sparked debates and controversies. Some view it as an attempt to erase Nehru's legacy, while others see it as a necessary step to ensure that the contributions of all prime ministers are equally recognized and celebrated. Despite the differing opinions, the renaming of the museum signifies a shift in how India's political history is presented and understood.

The renaming of the museum has elicited reactions from various political figures. For instance, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Modi of attempting to distort, disparage, and destroy the name and legacy of Nehru, calling the move an act of "pettiness & vengeance". On the other hand, the BJP has defended the decision, arguing that it is an attempt to honor all of India's prime ministers and not just Nehru.

In conclusion, the transformation of the Teen Murti Bhavan from Nehru's residence to the Nehru Memorial Museum and finally to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library reflects the evolving narrative of India's political history. The debates and discussions surrounding these changes underscore the complexities and nuances of interpreting and presenting this history.

References:

Teen Murti Bhavan - Wikipedia 
Political slugfest erupts over Nehru Memorial renaming - Hindustan Times