Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Thursday, December 25. This landmark site will feature a first-of-its-kind museum dedicated to three foundational ideologues of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A Monumental Tribute to BJP's Founding Figures
The museum is a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee. It spans an impressive 6,300 square metres, making it one of the largest museum blocks in the city of Lucknow.
The exhibition is organized into five distinct galleries that chronicle the early lives, education, ideological foundations, political careers, and national contributions of these three leaders. The narrative is brought to life through a rich collection of photographs, historical documents, sculptures, digital panels, and dedicated audio-visual sections.
Interactive Zones and Towering Bronze Statues
What sets this museum apart are its 12 interactive digital zones. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to listen to the powerful oratory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee through his recorded speeches and writings. Similarly, curated material on the lives and works of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee will be accessible for deeper engagement.
The centerpiece of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal is undoubtedly the three monumental bronze statues. Each statue stands at a majestic 65 feet tall and weighs approximately 32 tonnes. For the creation and installation of these statues, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) sanctioned around Rs 21 crore.
Artistic Craftsmanship and Universal Design
The statues are mounted on specially designed pedestals. The statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was crafted by Ram Sutar Art Creations Pvt Ltd, the renowned studio behind the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The statues of Atal Bari Vajpayee and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee were created by Matu Ram Arts Pvt Ltd, under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh State Lalit Kala Akademi.
Academy Director Amit Agnihotri revealed that the statues were made from a copper-based alloy, incorporating smaller portions of lead, tin, and zinc. To enhance the site's visual impact during evenings, sophisticated facade lighting and projection mapping techniques have been employed.
Emphasizing inclusivity, the entire complex has been built following universal accessibility norms. It is equipped with ramps, lifts, and separate, easy-to-navigate routes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and VVIPs, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.
The inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal marks a significant addition to Lucknow's cultural and political landscape, creating a permanent space for reflection on the legacies of three key figures in modern Indian political history.
