Bhubaneswar: The Central government has agreed to open a branch of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bhubaneswar.
Sources said Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi submitted a memorandum in this regard to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi recently.
Responding to the proposal, the Union Minister assured Sarangi that necessary steps would be taken for establishing a branch of NGMA in Odisha capital soon.
Earlier, the BJP MP had written a letter to Shekhawat on September 10, 2024 urging him to set up a branch of the NGMA in Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had also written to the Union Minister for the establishment of a branch of NGMA.
As per Aparajita, a branch of the NGMA in the city here will significantly contribute to the cultural and artistic landscape of the region, providing multifaceted benefits to the local population and the state as a whole.
“Odisha is well-known for its vibrant culture, unique arts and historical significance. A branch of the NGMA in Bhubaneswar would serve as a major attraction for tourists. It would complement the existing historical sites including Konark Sun Temple and Puri Jagannath temple,” Sarangi said in her letter to the Union Minister.
The initiative will not only enhance the cultural appeal of Bhubaneswar but also contribute to the local economy by increasing tourist footfall, she said, adding that Odisha has a rich tradition of art and crafts, with numerous talented artists who often seek platforms to showcase their work.
Once the NGMA branch is opened, it would facilitate cultural exchanges and collaborations between artists from different regions, Sarangi said.
Stressing that Bhubaneswar is emerging as an educational hub with several universities and institutions dedicated to various fields of study, including fine arts, Aparajita said a branch of NGMA in the city would serve as a valuable resource for students.
At present, there is no NGMA branch in the Eastern India. Thus, Bhubaneswar is an ideal location for expanding the gallery’s presence, she said.