Guwahati, Feb 23: The construction of a state-of-the-art heritage museum, being developed jointly by the JSW Group and the Government of Assam, commenced in Guwahati on February 23 with the laying of the foundation stone.
The ceremony was led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Savitri Jindal, Sangita Jindal, Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah, and Richard Blurton, former Head of South and Southeast Asia at the British Museum.
The museum is being developed at the Sericulture Farm in Khanapara on a 45,000-square-foot site allotted by the state government. Fully funded by JSW Group, the institution is envisioned as a landmark cultural destination dedicated to preserving and promoting Assam’s art, culture and heritage. It is expected to host national and international artefacts, travelling exhibitions and curated showcases aimed at fostering global cultural exchange.
Addressing the gathering, Sajjan Jindal described the ground-breaking ceremony as the beginning of a meaningful journey. He said cultural institutions play a vital role in shaping societal identity and inspiring future generations, adding that the museum would stand as a tribute to Assam’s artistic and spiritual legacy while positioning Indian heritage within global cultural discourse.
The facility will include modern conservation infrastructure, featuring advanced climate control and security systems to ensure the long-term preservation of artefacts. Conceived as a long-term partnership between the state government and JSW Group, the project aims to emerge as a prominent cultural landmark for the Northeast.
Among its key highlights will be the inaugural exhibition of the Vrindavani Vastra, a celebrated 17th-century devotional textile woven under the spiritual guidance of Srimanta Sankardev. Considered one of Assam’s most significant surviving sacred textiles, the Vrindavani Vastra comprises multiple woven silk panels illustrating narrative scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, including episodes from the early life of Krishna in Vrindavan such as Kaliyadamana and Vastraharana.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the recognition of Assam’s cultural heritage at national and international levels, while promoting deeper engagement with the region’s artistic traditions.
