Berhampur: With its rich history, the 125-year-old SKCG Autonomous College at Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters town of Gajapati in Odisha, is working on a proposal for a museum.
“The college has many antique pieces. However, like many educational institutions, its vast legacy remains largely unchronicled and scattered, leaving its rich past underappreciated by students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community. In this context, the establishment of a museum at SKCG College is not only an opportunity to preserve and celebrate its history, but also a pressing necessity for the institution’s continued cultural and educational vibrancy,” said SKCH Principal Dr Jeetendranath Patnaik.
While the college’s history is a rich tapestry woven with significant events and influential individuals, much of this narrative remains hidden in archives or scattered across campus, he said.
The antiques in SKCG include some old wall clocks, chairs, tables, almirahs, rare oil paintings of Maharaja Padmanav Gajapati, Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati, Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati also.
“In addition, some local murals, some old rare torn photographs which we can rebound it. We have lost many things. There are also some old bound collections of Shyam Sundar Rajguru, Bhaktakabi Gopal Krushna Patnaik, Padmasree Dr Satya Narayan Rajguru. There are so many and they can be placed into. Writings of so many of the luminaires and the son of the soil are there. We are having some old photographs with moth eaten but that can be restored. Every single piece can be restored and kept in the museum,” the Principal said.
One of the most powerful functions of a museum is its ability to foster a sense of pride and unity. A museum at SKCG College would offer students and faculty a unique opportunity to explore the history of their institution and reflect on its enduring contributions to the community. For researchers, the museum would serve as a treasure trove of primary sources.
A museum at SKCG College would serve as a vital resource for preserving the institution’s rich legacy. Since its inception, the college has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the region, producing generations of alumni who have contributed to various fields of knowledge and service. Yet, many of the stories, achievements, and milestones that have shaped the college remain scattered across different places, from dusty old documents to memories shared by alumni. Without a dedicated space to house these artifacts, these pieces of history risk being lost to time, the principal said.
The state government announced Rs one crore funding in a year or so and project would be taken up by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Odisha Chapter and also by the state Archaeological Department. “We have been asked by the state government to clearly take up INTACH people as well as the Archaeology Department. They will come and help us in preparing the detailed project report (DPR) exactly in our structure,” said Dr Patnaik.
SKCG college is more than just an academic institution; it is a living testament to the evolution of higher education and the values that have shaped its mission over time. SKCG has played an integral role in shaping the intellectual and cultural fabric of its community and beyond.
In creating this museum, SKCG College would not only preserve its heritage but also reaffirm its commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, civic responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the power of education.
The museum would not only serve as a repository for the institution’s legacy but also function as an active participant in the intellectual life of the college, providing a space where past and present can intersect. As the institution continues to evolve, this museum would ensure that the stories of those who helped shape its history are never lost to time.
