Pune: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Seeks Rs 25 Crore State Funding for “Museum City” Project
Pune, 11th September 2023: The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is embarking on an ambitious mission to secure Rs 25 crore in funding from the state government to launch its visionary “Museum City” project. This expansive endeavor is set to occupy six acres of government-granted land in Bavdhan and aims to alleviate the museum’s long-standing space constraints.
A significant development unfolded when the state government allocated land to the museum in two phases in 2005. However, despite the passage of 18 years, the museum authorities have grappled with procuring adequate funds to commence construction. Recently, they presented a proposal to seek funding from both deputy chief ministers.
The estimated cost for the complete Museum City, comprising the main museum building and a facility center, is projected to reach Rs 90 crore.
Director Sudhanva Ranade highlighted the museum’s urgent need for additional space, stating, “We have approached the state government to allocate an initial Rs 25 crore to kickstart the project, which is expected to provide space for over 24,000 artifacts. Currently, the museum, situated off Bajirao Road, an integral part of Pune’s cultural heritage, can only display 11 percent of the 24,000-plus artifacts, while the remainder is stored in vast storage rooms or beneath the main display due to space limitations.”
The inception of the Kelkar Museum is indebted to the dedicated efforts of Late Padmashree Dr. DG alias Kakasaheb Kelkar, who assiduously curated an exceptional collection of folk arts and Indian craftsmanship. In 1975, he generously donated and entrusted his remarkable collection to the Maharashtra government, with the noble aim of preserving it for future generations.
Presently, the museum’s three-story building accommodates eight galleries, presenting the most extensive collection of diverse artifacts representing various facets of everyday Indian arts and crafts.
The state government allocated land to the museum in two phases in 2002, stipulating that construction of the new building must occur within a specified timeframe. However, insufficient funds impeded progress on this ambitious project, as explained by Ranade.
Earlier this year, the museum once again applied to government authorities for an extension to continue using the government-allocated land for construction purposes.
Ranade elaborated on their efforts, stating, “We have been reaching out to local authorities and even the corporate sector for financial assistance for the new construction. Last month, I contacted the state government, and we hope that the funds will be granted to commence construction on this land. Importantly, the Divisional Commissioner of Pune Division has already submitted the proposal to the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, to solicit the necessary funding, awaiting approval from the State Government.”
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