Modi Gallery: Balakot to Moonshot, India’s story of progress, all told through high tech

The 7D (7 dimensional) experience includes a 3D motion chair, the effect of cold air, hot air, mist, lightning, smoke and smell, according to Saurav Bhaik, CEO & Founder of Tagbin, which handled the gallery’s technical execution.

The last two minutes of the ‘7D’ show are devoted to a static narrative about the role of the private sector, self-reliance initiatives, and strengthening of infrastructure in border areas.

The last two minutes of the ‘7D’ show are devoted to a static narrative about the role of the private sector, self-reliance initiatives, and strengthening of infrastructure in border areas.

After putting India’s augmented defence capabilities at the centre of the narrative, the focus shifts to another key feature of Modi’s term: cultural rejuvenation through resurrection of temples. An immersive experience lasting six minutes takes one through the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi and Ujjain heritage corridors, the return of idols from abroad, and Khadi.

The main gallery area is divided into several sections. While “Sushasan” speaks of Modi’s governance model, “Sadbhaav” highlights his foreign policy initiatives. “Vikas” showcases his development model and “Sanskriti” his cultural rejuvenation efforts. “Janbhagidaari” brings the focus on public participation, “Paryavaran” on environmental causes, and “Vigyaanodaya” throws light on developments in science and technology.

The centrepiece is a banyan tree, around which a cinematic reel pans out on his early life and the influences from those years that shaped his policies and priorities.

“Balya Kaal se Shasan Tak” also captures Modi’s term as Gujarat Chief Minister. It showcases his experimental exercises at the state level and how these were expanded and extended at the national level, said Nripendra Mishra, chairperson of the executive council of the PMs’ Museum & Library (PMML), which decided the concept and content of the gallery.

Delhi-based Tagbin, which handled the tech part, has worked on the galleries of the other PMs as well, besides several other key projects with the Ministry of Culture, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Museum at Indore and the Netaji Bose hologram at India Gate.

“Although the interactive display encapsulates PM Modi’s two consecutive terms, our biggest challenge was to keep it dynamic so that we are able to update new landmark moments as well,” Tagbin CEO Bhaik said.

For instance, the inauguration of Atal Setu, the country’s longest bridge over sea in Mumbai, on January 12 has already been added to the gallery.

Even though the display is largely digital and interactive, with QR codes, scanners, touch screens and kiosks being used, a few physical objects are on display as well, including artefacts, a few letters and some memorabilia.

While the area devoted to the Modi Gallery is the same as for other PMs, the campus will make space for future Prime Ministers as well. Said Misra: “We plan to include Prime Ministers over the next 25 years as well, so there will be a need for extension of galleries, and more construction will be required eventually.”