Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum today at the historic Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The ceremony, which combined tradition with modern scientific innovation, began with the Vice President cutting a ribbon and unveiling a commemorative plaque.
The event saw the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Shri Mangubhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region; Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines; Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah, Member of Parliament, Gwalior; and Shri Asit Saha, Director General of GSI.
The Gwalior Geoscience Museum, envisioned as a hub of knowledge and inspiration, is home to two distinctive galleries showcasing the wonders of Earth and its evolution.
Gallery I: Planet Earth – Its Uniqueness in Diversity
This gallery explores Earth’s natural marvels through seven sections, featuring phenomena like volcanoes, meteorites, and magnetic fields. Cutting-edge multimedia displays, interactive models, and rare geological specimens offer visitors an immersive learning experience. Among the highlights are treasures such as Antarctic rocks, rare gemstones, volcanic rocks from Japan, fossils from the Himalayas, dinosaur eggs, and the iconic Deccan Trap zeolites.
Gallery II: Evolution of Life on Earth
Focusing on the journey of life from its origins to modern humans, this gallery presents seven detailed sections that delve into ancient ecosystems, evolutionary milestones, and mass extinction events. Fossils and interactive exhibits encourage exploration and understanding of life’s complex story, offering visitors a glimpse into the Earth’s biological past.
During his address, Vice President Dhankhar praised the Geological Survey of India for its pivotal role in exploring India’s geological wealth and advancing scientific understanding. He highlighted the museum as a testament to GSI’s dedication to sustainable resource management and its contribution to national development.
Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, commemorated the museum’s inauguration by issuing its first ticket. He also honored Shri R.V. Karanth, a retired professor from M.S. University, Baroda, for his exceptional contributions to the museum’s gemstone gallery, including the donation of his personal collection.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Asit Saha, Director General of GSI, emphasized the museum’s significance as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and geoscience enthusiasts. He expressed optimism that the facility would foster a deeper understanding of Earth’s processes and their role in sustainable development.
The GSI Geoscience Museum stands as a beacon of geological heritage, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through Earth’s history while promoting curiosity and scientific exploration.
