Veer Balak Smarak () is a

memorial museum Memorial museums are museums dedicated both to educating the public about and commemorating a specific historic event, usually involving mass suffering. The concept gained traction throughout the 20th century as a response to the numerous and we ...

dedicated to the victims of

2001 Gujarat earthquake The 2001 Gujarat earthquake, also known as the Bhuj earthquake, occurred on 26 January, India's 52nd Republic Day, at . The epicentre was about 9 km south-southwest of the village of Chobari in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District of Gujarat ...

in Anjar, Kutch district,

Gujarat Gujarat (, ) is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area, covering some ; and the ninth ...

, India.

History

The memorial is dedicated to the 185 school children and 20 teachers who died during the

while holding a rally on the Republic Day of India. It was built at the cost of . The project to construct memorial was probably announced in 2008. Following several delays, the project was approved by the Government of Gujarat in 2017 and the construction was started in 2018. It was inaugurated on 28 August 2022 by Prime Minister

Narendra Modi Narendra Damodardas Modi (; born 17 September 1950) is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Parliament from ...

Features

There are five sections in the memorial museum. The first "Memories of the past" section displays names of the victims. The second "The destruction" section has debris from the earthquake along with display of belongings and replicas of belongings of the victims. The third "Experience" section has an earthquake simulator while the fourth "Science and Knowledge" section shows the science behind the earthquake. The final gallery section called "Think about it" asks the visitor various questions about one's experience. The memorial is constructed outside the museum with a wall displaying names and images of the victims. The bright light called "Prakashpunj" light ups the memorial and can be seen from anywhere in the town. There is also an auditorium.

References

{{commons category Museums in Gujarat Local museums in India Museums established in 2022 2022 establishments in Gujarat Tourist attractions in Kutch district

History

Features

See also

References