#PRIYO CHITROSATHI NEWS💐
Kolkata, 18 May, 2026 : A landmark step towards preserving and showcasing the ecological and cultural legacy of the Sundarbans was witnessed on International Museum Day as the soft launch of the upcoming Sundarban Museum was successfully held at iLEAD on 18th May 2026.
The event unveiled the vision, galleries and immersive experiences of the international-quality museum being developed on Gosaba Island in the Sundarbans. The museum aims to present the biodiversity, heritage, livelihoods and environmental significance of the worlds largest mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site through an engaging and technology-driven experience.
The soft launch ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Lt. Col. Anant Sinha, Director, The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, Guest of Honour, Mr Prabir Mahapatra, Seretary, Tagore Society for Rural Development (TSRD) and Guest of Honour, Mr Sayantan Kanjilal, grandson of Padmashri Tushar Kanjilal and member of Tagore Society for Rural Development (TSRD) and iLEAD Chairman Pradip Chopra, along with distinguished guests, academicians and conservation enthusiasts. Prominent academicians like Ms. Simran Sanghera, Principal, Asian International School, Kolkata, Ms. Madhumita Maiti, Principal, La Martiniere for Boys Middle School and Ms. Shuktara CCA Coordinator of Jyotirmoyee Girls High School were present along with eminent members of the Press.
During the event, guests were introduced to the museums planned 14 galleries, each dedicated to different aspects of the Sundarbans. The galleries will cover themes including the boats and ships of the Sundarbans, stories of pirates, tribal communities, forest products, handicrafts, cyclones, climate change, conservation efforts, local livelihoods and the future challenges facing the region.
About The Museum
The Sundarban Museum is a first-of-its-kind international quality institution dedicated to the ecological, cultural, and historical legacy of the Sundarbans a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread across 14 thematic galleries, the museum offers:
Live Honey Making Process Traditional Mouli techniques demonstrated by local honey collectors
AI-Powered Documentary Films Each gallery showcases different facets of the Sundarbans through films created with artificial intelligence
VR-AR Mangrove Experience A dedicated gallery recreates the night-time Sundarban forest using 3D projections and spatial audio, featuring the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and endemic species
Ecology & Heritage Sections Covering mangrove biodiversity, tidal ecosystems, folklore, man-tiger conflict, and conservation efforts
The museum will also feature immersive technological experiences, including AI-supported films, VR and AR installations and 3D projections recreating the atmosphere of the mangrove forest. Visitors will be able to experience realistic depictions of the Sundarbans ecosystem, including projections of the Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles and other wildlife accompanied by a specially designed forest soundscape.
Speaking at the event, Mr Pradip Chopra, who conceptualised the Sundarban Museum said the museum has been envisioned as more than just a tourist attraction. It aims to become an educational and cultural institution that raises awareness about the ecological importance of the Sundarbans and the urgent need for conservation and sustainable development.
The soft launch unveiled the complete museum layout and demonstrates why the Sundarbans were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Select AI films from each gallery was screened for our distinguished guests. The official inauguration of the museum is expected to take place in August 2026 around Independence Day and may be attended by a distinguished dignitary.
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